By Gavin Mackintosh-
Active Travel England (ATE) has announced a significant £60 million investment.
This funding is set to benefit up to 2 million more children in the United Kingdom by providing access to walk to school programs and cycle training initiatives over the next two years.
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The ambitious program aims to boost parents’ confidence in walking or cycling with their children on the school run while equipping young people with essential road skills.
Researchers say biking helps calm down pent up energy in children, relaxing them more, and prepares their mindset for learning.
This initiative aligns with the broader mission to make active transportation choices more accessible and safer within communities.
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The 2-year funding will include £50 million to expand Bikeability cycle training to a million more young people. This scheme has already delivered training to more than 4 million children since 2007.
Expanding Bikeability Cycle Training: £50 million will be allocated to extend Bikeability cycle training to an additional million young people. This program, initiated in 2007, has already provided training to more than 4 million children, fostering road safety and cycling proficiency.
Biking has health benefits Image: John Carl Annibale
Supporting Walk to School Programs: An additional £5 million will support walk to school initiatives through Living Streets, benefiting hundreds of thousands of pupils in schools across England.
Chris Boardman, Active Travel Commissioner, expressed the importance of giving children the freedom to choose healthier and more environmentally friendly modes of transportation. He emphasized that this funding package aims to reintroduce joy into journeys and empower a generation of young people to make greener travel choices.
Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman highlighted the government’s commitment to the well-being of children across the nation, emphasizing the numerous physical and mental health benefits of cycling.
The £60 million investment demonstrates the government’s dedication to promoting active travel among young people.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb acknowledged the significance of the journey to and from school in every child’s daily routine. He lauded Active Travel England’s investment in initiatives that enhance children’s health and well-being.
The funding package also includes £4 million to extend Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival program until March 2025. This program has already engaged over 80,000 individuals of all ages, providing them with essential cycling skills and boosting their confidence.
Additionally, an extra £500,000 will be directed towards extending the Modeshift STARS and Active Travel Ambassador schemes. The STARS program recognizes schools, businesses, and organizations that excel in supporting and implementing active travel plans. Active Travel Ambassadors collaborate with secondary school students to promote active travel among their peers.
Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive of Living Streets, highlighted the program’s potential to encourage more families to choose active modes of travel to school, thereby improving the nation’s health, reducing congestion, and enhancing air quality.
Emily Cherry, Chief Executive of the Bikeability Trust, celebrated the funding as a significant step towards ensuring that every child has the knowledge and confidence to cycle. She emphasized the importance of equipping children with cycling skills and opportunities as they progress through school.
Image:kidsconnect.com
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