BCP Council secures significant funding boost for four-year 'Active Travel' programme
BCP Council has been given nearly ÂŁ3 million for more cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings
BCP Council is set to invest ÂŁ2.9 million in new cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings as part of a wider ÂŁ11 million active travel programme aimed at encouraging more people to walk and cycle across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The funding boost follows confirmation in December 2025 from Active Travel England that the council would receive a multi-year settlement to support improvements to its infrastructure.
Under the four-year programme, BCP Council has been allocated £2.2 million in capital funding through to 2029/30, that’s double what the council received for this financial year.
New pedestrian crossings are proposed for Turbary Park Avenue, Kinson Road, Canford Cliffs Road and Bournemouth Road, as well as a scheme linking Iford Old Bridge with Oak Avenue.
The first phase of a three-stage upgrade to Poole Park Causeway will also begin, improving the existing walking and cycling route between Whitecliff Road and Parkstone Road.
Design work is also planned for future schemes, including a cycle lane along Poole Lane, a new crossing near Mandale Road and cycle track and footway improvements at University Roundabout.
Council leaders say the investment is intended not only to improve safety but to make active travel a more attractive option for everyday journeys.
An accessible cycling hub pilot scheme will be introduced to provide cycle training for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who are currently unable to take part in Bikeability training due to a lack of suitable equipment.
The funding will also be used to identify improvements to encourage more children to walk or cycle to school.
Twynham School, Poole High School and schools on East Way have been identified as priority locations to benefit the greatest number of pupils.
Additional measures include secure cycle parking in town centres, expanded education programmes in schools and better access to green spaces and parks.
The proposals are due to be discussed by the council’s Transport Advisory Group on 25 February, before going to cabinet for approval on the 4th of March.