Exciting news is on the horizon for the South West of England! The government is set to inject a substantial £23.1 million into initiatives aimed at promoting walking, cycling, and wheeling.
This funding is geared towards improving public health while simultaneously cutting down carbon emissions.
Local councils in areas such as Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire will be able to enhance critical infrastructure.
This means more cycle paths, footpaths, safer crossings, and better road junctions for everyone to enjoy.
Investment for Active Travel
This investment is part of a wider initiative—an impressive £291 million campaign led by Active Travel England.
The goal? To create over 300 miles (that’s around 480 kilometers) of new walking and cycling routes across the nation.
By doing this, the aim is to encourage an additional 30 million journeys each year.
This move is not just about transportation; it’s about cultivating a culture of active travel, especially for families with children heading to school.
Beyond encouraging healthier lifestyles, these projects are also expected to inject approximately £9 million into the local economy and significantly reduce absenteeism due to illness—by about 43,000 days each year.
These figures underscore the health advantages tied to choosing active forms of transport.
Notably, Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly will collectively receive £7.1 million specifically for their initiatives.
Comments from Officials
Chris Boardman, who is both the commissioner of Active Travel England and an acclaimed Olympic champion, stressed the need for creating safe spaces for walking and cycling.
He pointed out that these efforts could dramatically improve community health, support economic growth, and play a critical role in the journey toward achieving net-zero emissions.
He expressed a desire for the UK to embrace the same active transportation advantages enjoyed by European countries—benefits like free exercise, zero emissions, and the relief from traffic congestion.
Boardman emphasized that well-designed infrastructure would encourage more people to choose walking and cycling for their daily commutes, leading to healthier lifestyles and reduced strain on public transport.
He highlighted that adopting these changes could transform urban areas, making them more livable and akin to Europe’s hidden serene escapes, where cycling and walking are seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
By prioritizing active travel, the UK could create cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable public spaces for everyone.
Boardman also noted that embracing active travel would empower modern pedestrian athletes, individuals who rely on walking and cycling as integral parts of their daily routines.
By investing in well-planned infrastructure, cities could foster a new culture where these commuters feel safe, valued, and supported.
Such a shift would not only enhance personal well-being but also contribute to a more sustainable and interconnected urban environment.
The Minister for Local Transport, Simon Lightwood, also weighed in, highlighting the affordability and incredible benefits of walking and cycling for mental and physical wellness.
Funding Allocation
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole: £1,937,605
- Cornwall: £1,503,224
- Devon: £3,944,082
- Dorset: £1,002,023
- Gloucestershire: £3,131,415
- Isles of Scilly: £40,000
- North Somerset: £571,318
- Plymouth: £1,281,991
- Somerset: £2,775,438
- Swindon: £614,190
- Torbay: £366,460
- West of England Combined Authority: £4,621,264
- Wiltshire: £1,349,227
This funding marks a significant step forward in building healthier communities and paving the way for a sustainable future.
Let’s seize this chance for a brighter, greener tomorrow!
Source: Bbc.com