Council secures more funding to boost walking and cycling schemes
Shropshire Council has secured £174,026 to support new schemes to encourage more people to take up active travel such as walking and cycling in the county.
The award for 2024 comes from Active Travel England’s Capability Fund, and is 50% more than the council received the previous year.
The funding, which can only go towards schemes that promote active travel, will help expand efforts across the county to encourage more people to walk, cycle and take up other forms of active travel.
Cycling in Ludlow
Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s deputy Leader, and Cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said:-
“This is great news, and will mean we can do even more to improve our infrastructure for active travel and make Shropshire a healthier, more sustainable place.
“We are very grateful to Active Travel England for their support to help boost active travel in Shropshire, and will be bringing forward a shortlist of projects that this funding can support soon.”
The council already has a number of schemes that are supported by Active Travel England. These include:-
- The creation of a new sustainable travel team to support schools across Shropshire, including expanding Bikeability training to more county schools, scooting training during school holidays, and a new schools-based initiative to encourage more pupils to walk or cycle, starting in September 2024
- The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) which was approved by Cabinet in March 2024; and business plans are now under development for 10 sites countywide, with another 10 to follow in the summer
- Meole Brace Education Active Travel Area in Shrewsbury
- Enhancements to the Shrewsbury Gyratory, which have just completed consultation, and work is expected to start later this year.
