The North East will receive £12.8million to build more walking, wheeling and cycling routes, the Government announced today.
The funding – part of a national £291million package from Active Travel England (ATE) – will help councils deliver high quality cycle tracks and footpaths as well as safer crossings and junctions for all road users. ATE is also today publishing its guidance to help councils ensure that local residents and businesses are heard when designing and delivering transport changes in neighbourhoods.
The national funding package will allow the construction of more than 300 miles of new walkways and cycle lanes across the country. This will help people make 30 million more journeys by bike or foot every year, including more than 20 million new walk-to-school journeys by children and their parents.
Cycle lanes and walkways funded across England today will lead to 43,000 fewer sick days a year, due to the health benefits of increased active travel, easing pressure on the NHS and helping people live happier and healthier lives.
The new infrastructure will also add £9million every year to the economy by supporting local businesses and making it easier to walk and cycle to work, as the Government continues to deliver its Plan for Change.
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said: “Making it simple and safe to walk, wheel or cycle to schools, shops and workplaces is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation’s health, economy and get to net zero, all in one.
“Free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic are benefits already being enjoyed as standard by our European neighbours and it’s time we had the same life-improving choices.
“This funding will help make our towns, cities and villages happier, healthier and greener places to live.”
Minister for Local Transport Simon Lightwood added: “Walking and cycling is an affordable way to get around and is hugely beneficial for both mental and physical health. We’re making sure local authorities can deliver high-quality and easily accessible schemes for everyone.
“Investing in our national cycling and walking infrastructure is a key part our mission for growth and today’s investment will not only provide better connectivity, but boost local businesses, grow local economies and ease pressure on the NHS, helping us deliver our Plan for Change.”
In total, today’s national £291million funding package includes:
- £222.5million to local authorities for the development and delivery of local walking, wheeling and cycling schemes, alongside community engagement and training;
- £30million to provide Bikeability cycle training to children;
- £30million to the Sustrans charity to deliver improvements to the National Cycle Network, a UK-wide network of signed active travel routes;
- £8.5million for Cycling UK, Living Streets and Modeshift to deliver walking, wheeling and cycling initiatives in schools and communities.
In addition to providing this funding, ATE is dedicated to ensuring that new schemes are built faster and to a high quality that works best for their communities.
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/new-walking-wheeling-cycling-projects-30985820
