The North East has received £17.7m in government funding from the fourth round of the Active Travel Fund to invest in the region’s walking, wheeling and cycling network.

The multi-million-pound funding boost also covers the enhancement of a smaller number of schemes from the previous round of Active Travel Funding, as well as new capital investments. This will create new and 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 eight schemes have been awarded funding. Delivery of these schemes aligns with the objectives of the North East Transport Plan (2021), Making the Right Travel Choice Strategy (2022) and emerging region-wide Active Travel Strategy.

A case for investment has been successfully made to Active Travel England and officers will now work to prepare detailed design and consult on successful schemes. 

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said:

“I’m delighted that the North East has been awarded £17.7m in funding to enhance our walking, wheeling and cycling network.

“This is great news for local residents as it will help many people to enjoy walking, wheeling and cycling and the health and well-being benefits that come with active travel.

“We are committed as a region to providing safe and appealing transport choices and an attractive active travel network is a huge part of that.

“This phase of investment 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, paving the way for further investment.

“Our region is determined to tackle the climate emergency we all face and encouraging more sustainable travel for everyday journeys will help us to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality – this is wonderful news.”

National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman, added: 

“By giving millions of people the freedom of choice to walk, wheel or cycle for everyday trips, this funding will help us improve public health, tackle climate change and give hundreds of thousands of children the independence to travel safely under their own steam. 

“Now our focus is working with councils to get these schemes built swiftly. We’ll be working together to ensure the projects are well designed and effective, so that they bring maximum benefits to communities and help improve lives nationwide.”