Active Travel Capability Fund

Conditions of this grant allow local authorities to plan active travel infrastructure, undertake evidence-based planning via data and opinion collection and deliver behaviour change initiatives.

This grant funding for 2024/25 follows a moderation from Active Travel England (ATE), who have moved BwD active travel rating to a Level 2 authority.  This improvement clearly demonstrates the good progress BwD has made in Active Travel and clear plans are now in place to become a Level 3 authority. This includes an emerging Active Travel Network (adopted in Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan), Network SE cycle routes, the production of a Cycling and Walking Strategy for 2025 – 28 and the formulation of a hearts and minds approach involving strong local leadership, key stakeholders and partnerships.  All of these are crucial in securing future funding and achieving Level 3.

The funding provided will be spent with a clear focus on further building the authorities capability and technical skills. This will be undertaken by the gathering of baseline data to allow the development future Active Travel measures. This will be supported by good quality local community engagement to compliment a new and comprehensive approach to hearts and minds that will fully support all new cycle and walking measures.

The proposed measures using the Active Travel Capability Fund allocation include:

• The launch of a bespoke Love to Ride programme starting in late 2024 and running until 2026. This programme will include data collection on routes, infrastructure and suggestions for improvements as well as events and campaigns whilst offering individuals a whole range of personal information.
• Further priority route development of the schemes identified in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) currently at the feasibility stage.
• Additional School Routes audits undertaken by Living Streets to support the development of Active Travel measures to increase cycling and walking to schools.
• Increased measures and activities to increase public engagement and work more closely with key stakeholders.