More than half of short journeys in towns and cities will be walked, wheeled or cycled by 2035 under new national targets announced by the Department for Transport today .
The new cycling and walking investment strategy sets a national target for people to hit the pavement or pedals for 55% of short trips in towns and for 60% of children aged 5 to 16 to travel actively to school by the same year.
The government is projected to invest over £4.5 billion in active travel over the next 5 years, and will work with Active Travel England and local authorities to deliver 5000 new walking, wheeling and cycling routes and 10,000 safer crossings, connecting homes with schools, high streets and local services by 2030
This will also encourage people to walk or bike to public transport hubs, such as train stations, making them more achievable and in line with the way people travel every day.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:
Too many people would like to walk, wheel or cycle more often but don’t feel they have safe and convenient options to do so.
Our new cycling and walking investment strategy sets out how we will change that, with ambitious targets, record levels of investment and a clear plan to make active travel a practical choice for millions more journeys.
This is about creating healthier communities, helping households keep more money in their pockets and building a transport network that works better for everyone.
