Shropshire Council welcomes Government announcement of £4.5bn active travel funding
Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a £4.5 billion investment to support thousands of new walking and cycling routes, saying it’s a major step forward in helping more people choose healthier, more affordable ways to get around.
The funding package aims to expand active travel infrastructure and deliver safer crossings nationwide, enabling more everyday journeys to be made on foot, by bike or by wheeling—particularly short local trips that are often still made by car.
Councillor Rob Wilson
Rob Wilson, Cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said:
“I am hopeful that this significant investment signals a renewed national commitment it a realistic and attractive option for more people to walk and cycle. By improving safety, connectivity and accessibility, we can help families leave the car behind for shorter trips—cutting congestion, improving air quality, and delivering real savings at a time when household budgets are under pressure. However, as with every Government announcement, it will come down to the level of investment that we see coming to Shropshire.
“Shropshire Council is already making good use of DfT funding, including that secured though the Consolidated Active Travel Fund, to build the foundations for future delivery. This funding is increasingly competitive and closely linked to local authority performance and capability, and by continuing to strengthen our approach and build a strong track record, we can unlock a greater share of future investment.
“ With the announcement of sustained national funding, we are well placed to be more ambitious in our aims and go further and faster in delivering safer, more attractive routes across Shropshire.
“For many households, transport is one of the biggest monthly expenses. Enabling people to walk or cycle more of their journeys can lead to meaningful savings—whether that’s using the car less often or no longer needing a second vehicle at all. This is about giving people more choice, while also supporting healthier lifestyles and stronger communities.
“We look forward to working with partners to ensure this funding delivers real benefits locally—connecting neighbourhoods, making streets safer, and helping more people enjoy the benefits of active travel every day.”
As part of the announcement, Active Travel England have released their delivery plan for 2026-2030 named Worth Every Step. It includes a case study from Shrewsbury family, Alice, Will, Albert and Mabel. They gave up their second car in 2021, saving them around £2,500 per year. The family now has a campervan, which they use for minimal trips, and a beloved cargo bike, as well as a bike for each family member.
In the case study, Alice says:
“The savings are incredible – so much cheaper to have the odd bike service and new tyre rather than run a second car. But more than that it makes us feel healthier and happier and the kids love it. Most days we all cycle our own bikes to school or work. You cannot beat a morning cycle together as a family to get everyone off to a happy and healthy start to the day, come rain or shine. However the cargo bike is still invaluable for those days when little legs are tired or the weather is a bit grim!
“It is invaluable for longer journeys to play dates and parties or those which require extra luggage such as food shops and hockey matches. Basically, I try to avoid driving as much as possible, not just to save some pennies and keep our van young, but to keep ourselves active too!
“Whizzing past cars stuck in traffic is hugely satisfying too. It’s just about changing your mindset and you soon realise just how many of those short car journeys you can replace with a cycle. My kids even moan when I say we have to go in the car to get somewhere! We’ve never looked back. We would be lost without our bikes.”
Their story highlights a broader shift: when safe and convenient alternatives are available, families can cut the number of miles they drive – or even make the transition from two cars to one. This not only reduces transport costs such as fuel, insurance and maintenance, but also frees up household income for other essentials.
