The North West will receive £41.6million to build more walking, wheeling and cycling routes, the Government announced today with Greater Manchester receiving over £20m
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 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 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.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said:
“Helping more people to get the health benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling is at the heart of the Bee Network. Our plan to connect 95% of our residents to within 400m of high-quality active travel routes is arguably the boldest in the country.
“We’re already seeing more people choose active travel over the car for short journeys. This latest funding will help us build on our success to date and demonstrates confidence – at the highest level – in the Bee Network.
“Stockport is the blueprint for what we want to deliver across Greater Manchester, focusing new homes and regeneration around excellent public transport infrastructure in our town centres.
“The more people we can persuade to leave the car at home, the more we will make the traffic flow and the roads better for everyone.”
