ACTIVE Travel scheme is set to benefit from £23.1million of investment for Somerset's 49 new cycling and walking schemes to be delivered across the region.

Part of national effort to generate up to 16 million more walking and cycling trips a year across the country and help over 800,000 children on their way to school.

The £21.3million of Government funding  is for cycling and walking schemes, helping to boost local economies and transform the school run for thousands of children, generating up to 16 million extra walking and cycling trips a year across the country.

Active Travel Fund (ATF4) and the £23.1 million of investment will see 49 schemes delivered across the region with successful bids from authorities including Devon County Council, Gloucestershire County Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Unitary Authority.  

Alongside the environmental benefits, the plans will help ease congestion across cities, with people choosing more active choices which can benefit their mental and physical health and wellbeing, 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.   

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.

Safety and accessibility will be at the heart of improvements and creation of walking and cycling routes, meaning safety for women and children walking to school will be improved and people in wheelchairs and mobility scooters will see street designs become even more inclusive.  

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.