Millions of people across the country are set to benefit from £200 million of government funding for cycling and walking schemes, helping to promote healthy travel, reduce emissions and grow the economy.
The latest round of funding, will provide a boost to high streets and local businesses, and transform the school run for tens of thousands of children, generating up to 16 million extra walking and cycling trips a year. Alongside the environmental benefits, the plans will help ease congestion across cities, with people choosing more active choices that can benefit their mental and physical health and wellbeing and relieve pressure on the NHS.
Following extensive consultation with local authorities, communities across England will benefit from new funding, with over 265 schemes in 60 areas – including East Sussex – receiving a share of the latest round of funding.
The investment 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 to the economy in a year through increased high street spending and better access to jobs, delivering on our priority to grow the economy.
East Sussex County Council has secured £1,223,826 to support active travel measures, following a successful bid to Active Travel England’s - Active Travel Fund 4. The funding will be used to build upon the school streets design work immediately outside of the schools to include a feasibility study to identify measures to support walking, wheeling (wheelchair users and mobility scooters) and cycling within the local neighbourhood.
Maria Caulfield MP said “This Government investment of over £1.2 million in Lewes to support the school streets design work immediately outside of the schools, including Southover CE Primary School in Lewes. This will give children the choice to walk, wheel or cycle for everyday trips, as well as improve public health, tackle climate change and give children the independence to travel safely under their own steam.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper MP said “We want to make sure everyone across the country can choose cheaper, greener and healthier travel while we continue to support our local businesses and grow the economy.
“This £200 million investment will improve road safety, ease congestion and ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of the millions of people choosing active travel.”