Wiltshire Council gets £169,000 to boost walking and cycling projects
Funding will support school safety and improve links along active travel routes
Wiltshire Council can now proceed with active travel projects after securing £169,000 in funding from Active Travel England.
The funding, which was initially granted in summer 2025, will support initiatives to promote walking, cycling, and wheeling for everyday journeys across the county. The projects progressed after Active Travel England approved the council’s designs.
Wiltshire School Streets pilot
The pilot is focused on six schools across five areas, with scope to include more schools if the project proves successful.
Wiltshire Council previously ran a consultation on the proposed School Streets and is now reviewing feedback to decide how best to proceed with the pilot schemes.
Completing a key cycling route
The remaining £29,000 will be allocated to developing the design of a shared-use path between Park Wall and Lower Road in Quidhampton, addressing a missing section in the Wilton-Salisbury active travel corridor.
This scheme will connect Lower Road in Quidhampton to the junction of the A3094 Netherhampton Road and the A36 Wilton Road (Park Wall junction). It will meet Department for Transport standards for cycling infrastructure design known as LTN 1/20.
The planned route, which was prioritised for short-term delivery within Salisbury’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, aims to provide a safer alternative to the A3094, which currently lacks specific cycling provision.
This corridor forms part of the primary route between Wilton and Salisbury city centre and connects with National Cycle Network Route 24 for onward travel, avoiding busy stretches such as the A36.
The funding will cover the detailed design phase, enabling accurate cost estimates and supporting further construction funding applications.
Council’s plan for active travel
Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “This funding from Active Travel England allows us to continue improving the infrastructure that helps residents choose to walk, wheel and cycle more often.
"The School Streets pilot programme and the Quidhampton shared‑use path will help to provide safer, more accessible routes for children, families and commuters.
"These projects support our wider goals to promote safer active travel options, improve public health, reduce traffic congestion and cut carbon emissions, as set out in Our Wiltshire Plan."