Active Travel England is set to invest £32.9 million to create a national network of experts to work with communities, enhance high streets and make places more walkable and cyclable.  The fund could see up to 1,300 new green jobs created across England.

Launched by the Active Travel Minister Jesse Norman, the fund will aim to drive thousands of well thought-through local plans, co-created with the communities who will use them.

The funding will also be used to give travel choice to a wider demographic by engaging under-represented groups, provide cycle training and bike rental schemes.

Jesse Norman, Active Travel Minister, said:

"Leaving the car and walking and cycling instead is an easy way to get fit, save money and reduce your carbon footprint."

Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner, said:

"Delivering schemes that offer an attractive choice takes technical skill, local knowledge, and community involvement. Survey after survey has shown people want the choice to be able to use the car a bit less and would love their kids to have more transport independence, so we aim to ensure they are at the heart of creating the right solution for their area. 2023 is the year Active Travel England will start to make that happen."

Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets’, said:

"Our streets are used by everyone, so they should be designed with everyone in mind. The Capability Fund will boost the quality of our places and support people to choose cleaner and healthier ways to get around. We look forward to working with local authorities to increase walking and wheeling across the country."