The government has launched a £1 million competition inviting businesses and organisations to develop innovative schemes that encourage more people to walk, wheel or cycle.

Active Travel England announced the fund on 6 October 2025, offering grants of up to £100,000 to successful applicants.

Small to medium-sized businesses and non-governmental organisations can apply for support to either launch new initiatives or expand existing projects that have already proven effective.

The funding aims to support various types of projects, including community programmes targeting under-represented groups, partnerships between councils and local communities, and digital tools designed to improve safety and accessibility for active travel.

Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner, said: "The Active Travel Innovation Fund will help turn great ideas into real improvements for people who walk, wheel, or cycle.

“Enabling more people get about under their own steam is one of the most important interventions we can make to improve the nation's health, so it's crucial that we support bold projects that will help us do this."

Minister for Local Transport Lilian Greenwood added: "Walking, wheeling, and cycling bring huge physical and mental health benefits. We are determined to make them easy and safe choices for people across the country."

Successful applicants will receive practical support from Active Travel England and the Government Grant Managed Service, including assistance with partnerships and measuring project outcomes.

 Projects will run for 12 months, with organisations required to submit case studies and final reports on their impact.

The announcement follows a £300 million funding package revealed in February for local authorities to build cycling and walking infrastructure.

That investment is projected to reduce sick days by 43,000 annually whilst easing NHS pressure and supporting local economies.