£1 Million Fund Launched to Boost Innovative Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Projects
- Safer Highways
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
Small businesses and non-profits across England are being offered the chance to secure a share of £1 million to develop creative solutions that make walking, wheeling and cycling more accessible and appealing.
Active Travel England (ATE) announced the new Active Travel Innovation Fund on 6 October 2025, inviting applications from small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Grants of up to £100,000 per project are available for successful applicants aiming to launch or scale initiatives that encourage active travel in their communities.
The initiative seeks to back bold, inclusive and practical ideas that support the government’s broader Plan for Change, which aims to grow local economies, ease pressure on the NHS, and support sustainable transport options. Projects might include community-led schemes that reach under-represented groups, collaborations between councils and local businesses, or innovative tech solutions to improve safety and accessibility for people walking, wheeling or cycling.
“Turning Ideas into Impact”
Chris Boardman, England’s National Active Travel Commissioner, said the fund is about turning ambition into action.
“The Active Travel Innovation Fund will help turn great ideas into real improvements for people who walk, wheel, or cycle. Enabling more people to get about under their own steam is one of the most important interventions we can make to improve the nation’s health. We’re excited to work with creative organisations that can help us make this happen.”
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood also highlighted the role of active travel in promoting health and economic recovery:
“Walking, wheeling and cycling deliver enormous mental and physical health benefits. This funding will support ambitious projects that make those options easier and safer, while also helping to grow local economies and reduce pressure on public services.”
What the Fund Offers
Alongside financial support, selected organisations will also benefit from practical help provided by ATE and the Government Grant Managed Service (GGMS). This includes guidance on forming partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and tools to help track outcomes and impact.
Each funded project will run over a 12-month period, followed by an evaluation phase. Organisations will be expected to submit a case study and final report outlining how the funding made a measurable difference.
The goal is to create a collaborative network of change-makers who can share insights, build collective expertise, and support ATE’s mission to scale up active travel across England.
A Boost to Public Health and Local Economies
This announcement follows a wider £300 million government commitment made earlier this year to enhance local walking and cycling infrastructure, expand cycle training in schools, and support grassroots community projects.
Collectively, these efforts aim to cut congestion, reduce emissions, and generate significant public health benefits—including an estimated 43,000 fewer sick days annually, reducing strain on NHS services.
By encouraging more people to walk, wheel, or cycle for everyday journeys, the Active Travel Innovation Fund is set to play a vital role in shaping a healthier, greener and more connected future for communities across England.
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