North East awarded £17.9m for investment in region’s walking and cycling network

The North East has received £17.9m in funding from the Active Travel Fund to invest in the region’s walking and cycling network, the largest allocation in the country.

The multi-million pound funding boost will create new enhanced cycling and walking infrastructure, making it “easier and safer” for more people across the region to choose active, low carbon transport options when they are able to.

A total of nine schemes have been awarded funding across Newcastle, North Tyneside, Sunderland and Northumberland. Delivery of these schemes aligns with the objectives of the North East Transport Plan, which was adopted region-wide in 2021.

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “I’m thrilled that the North East has been awarded £17.9m in funding to enhance our walking and cycling network.

“This is great news for local people as it will help many people get out and about by foot or by bike, enjoying the health and well-being benefits that come with active travel.

“We are committed as a region to providing safe and appealing transport choices as defined in the North East Transport Plan, and an attractive walking and cycling network is a huge part of that.

“These nine schemes will go a long way to transform the daily travel choices available for many local people and I’m pleased that this is another positive step towards a green transport revolution for the North East.”

Of the nine schemes awarded funding in the North East, four were funded in Newcastle (£7.7m), one in North Tyneside (£3.5m), two in Northumberland (£3.46m) and two in Sunderland (£3.27m).

Cllr Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member for the Environment at North Tyneside Council, added: “We are delighted to have secured this funding after a great deal of hard work and planning, and a bid that received high praise from Active Travel England.

“The new route will be a scheme of the highest quality, it will have wide-ranging benefits for North Tyneside and will support people to access cheap, healthy, zero emission travel, while providing a boost to air quality and people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

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