Over £40 million to gear up North West’s new walking, wheeling and cycling projects
Funding will help councils deliver new cycle tracks and footpaths across North West
Last updated 12th Feb 2025
The North West will receive £41.6million 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 improvements delivered by 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 30million more journeys by bike or foot every year, including more than 20million new walk-to-school journeys by children and their parents.
Cycle lanes and walkways funded 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 as simple and as safe as possible for everyone to walk, wheel or cycle to where they need to be is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation’s health, economy and net zero credentials all in one. Whether it’s for going to school, work, the shops or just out and about for some fresh air, active travel is the only transport option that offers free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic.
“These benefits have already been well proven in countries across Europe and beyond – and this funding will help ensure we experience them for ourselves, by making our towns, cities and villages happier, healthier and greener places to live.”
Minister for Local Transport, Simon Lightwood said:
“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. With ATE expert advice, local authorities have completed active travel projects at more than twice the rate of other small transport schemes.
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood will mark the announcement of this funding with a visit to Greater Manchester, where active travel policies have been hugely successful.
A recent report by Transport for Greater Manchester found infrastructure upgrades are encouraging more residents to get about under their own steam, with the number of people walking short journeys now at 57 per cent, up from 52 per cent five years ago.