Dozens of projects gain Active Travel Fund boost

A regional transport fund is set to improve walking, wheeling and cycling routes across York and North Yorkshire through dozens of community-led projects.

A total of 39 schemes have secured backing through the mayor’s Active Travel Fund, which is investing £4 million into projects designed to make active travel safer, more accessible and more appealing across the region.

Led by schools, councils, community organisations and national park authorities, the schemes aim to tackle barriers including safety concerns, limited facilities and lack of confidence around cycling and walking.

Projects receiving funding include canal towpath improvements in Skipton, upgrades to York routes around the Knavesmire and Bootham Stray, and accessibility improvements along the Cinder Track, including adaptive bikes and barrier removal.

Fifteen schools across areas including Whitby, Selby, Harrogate and York will also benefit from around £1 million of funding for secure bike storage, training, maintenance sessions and bike libraries.

David Skaith, the mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “We know many people want to walk, wheel and cycle more, but too often face barriers, whether that’s concerns about safety, a lack of skills or confidence, or the cost of buying a bike.

“That’s why I launched this fund: to make active travel safer, easier and more accessible for people travelling to school, training, work, healthcare appointments and leisure activities.

“We received a huge number of applications from across the region, showing the demand for better infrastructure, training, and the appetite for more opportunities to make affordable and sustainable travel choices.

“I’m proud to support these 39 schemes, investing in new and improved facilities, building confidence, and creating safer routes. 

“Together, they will help leave a lasting legacy of inclusive active travel, safer school journeys, and healthier, greener, more connected communities for generations to come.”

Councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport at City of York Council, added: “We’re grateful to the mayor for this investment in active travel and excited that it enables us to press on with upgrades to existing key walking, wheeling and cycling routes, providing safe and accessible travel routes to destinations such as York College, the Racecourse, the Nestle factory and York Hospital. 

“Once complete the projects will offer greater choice in how you travel, and by making active travel more convenient we can reduce traffic congestion too.

“The impact of these enhancements will be further boosted by a travel training and route planning package, enabling a wider range of people to benefit from active travel improvements.

“In addition, we’re really excited to be partnering with the hospital and providing free loans of cycles to some NHS staff, along with additional cycle parking at the hospital, all of which will help in cutting traffic congestion near the hospital.”

Community organisations are also delivering projects ranging from improved walking routes and upgraded underpasses to monthly cycling sessions at York Racecourse.

Several schemes are specifically designed to support groups who face the greatest challenges accessing active travel, including disabled people, women and those with health conditions.

Refugee Action York is among the organisations receiving support, helping refugees and asylum seekers access bikes, training and maintenance services to improve independence and connectivity across the city and wider region.

Carrie Wheater, chief executive of Refugee Action York, added: “We are delighted to have secured funding through the Mayor’s Active Travel Fund, which will help address some of the barriers refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant families and young people in York face in accessing affordable, safe and independent transport.

“This project will increase confidence, independence and mobility, enabling greater and more sustained engagement in education, essential services and community activities across the city.”

The Active Travel Fund is part of the mayor’s wider £7 million Moving Forward campaign, which aims to support healthier lifestyles, stronger communities and greater access to outdoor spaces across York and North Yorkshire.

For a full list of all the successful schemes, click here.

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