East of England to benefit from over £24.7 million to improve walking and cycling routes
It's part of a national effort to generate up to 16m more walking and cycling trips a year across the country
Last updated 19th May 2023
Communities across the East of England are set to benefit from nearly £25 million of government funding for cycling and walking schemes, helping to boost local economies and transform the school run for thousands of children.
It also aims to generate up to 16 million extra walking and cycling trips a year across the country.
Following extensive consultation with local authorities, areas Essex, Bedford, Hertfordshire and Suffolk will benefit from a share of the latest round of the Active Travel Fund (ATF4).
£2.2 million is already earmarked for projects in Norfolk, whilst Suffolk's set to receive nearly £8 million.
This means there'll be 48 new cycling and walking schemes delivered across the region.
Alongside the environmental benefits, it's hoped the plans will help ease congestion across cities, with people able to pick more active choices which can benefit their mental and physical health and well-being, relieving pressure on the NHS.
The country-wide £200m package, announced in February of this year, will deliver a range of schemes across the country, including 121 miles of new cycle track, 77 miles of new paths and greenways and initiatives to make streets safer around 130 schools.
Active Travel is also estimated to bring a £36.5 billion boost for the economy in a year through increased high street spending and better access to jobs, delivering on our priority to grow the economy.
Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said: “We want to make sure everyone across the country can choose cheaper, greener, and healthier travel, while we continue to support our high streets and local businesses.
“This £200 million pound investment will improve road safety, ease congestion... and ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of the millions of people choosing active travel.”
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman added: “By giving millions of people the freedom of choice to walk, wheel or cycle for everyday trips, this funding will help us improve public health, tackle climate change, and give hundreds of thousands of children the independence to travel safely under their own steam.
Transport Minister Jesse Norman said the schemes will be driven by local need.
He explained: “So, there will be places where you want more green transport links in rural areas. There will be cycle lane in inner city areas. More support for pedestrians. So, there’s plenty of variety there.”
Government funding has meant cycling across England has continued to thrive and is up 11% on pre-pandemic levels, increasing by more than 20% in the last ten years.