Child training trust Bikeability to receive £78 million funding boost in raft of Government funding for active travel
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
The Bikeability Trust is set to receive £78 million as part of a £108 million Government funding package to boost walking, wheeling and cycling across England, marking the largest share of investment aimed at improving access and confidence for people of all ages.
The three-year funding, announced by Active Travel England, will support training schemes, school initiatives and community programmes designed to make active travel more accessible, while helping people choose cheaper and more sustainable ways to travel.
A significant portion of the funding will go to Bikeability, the national cycle training programme delivered through local authorities, which has already helped millions of children develop the skills and confidence to ride safely on today’s roads.
The investment will enable the programme to reach more young people, reinforcing its role in improving road safety, supporting healthier lifestyles and encouraging lifelong sustainable travel habits.
Emily Cherry, Chief Executive of the Bikeability Trust, said: “The Bikeability Trust welcomes the announcement of new funding from Active Travel England to invest in giving more people the skills and confidence to cycle, walk and wheel. Bikeability is an essential skill, benefitting children’s health and happiness, and helping them make more sustainable travel choices for life.
"We’re proud to be working with Active Travel England to help realise its active travel ambition.”
Elsewhere, £16.1 million has been awarded to Living Streets to expand its Walk to School Outreach programme, while Cycling UK will receive £8 million for the Big Bike Revival, alongside £3.1 million for Modeshift to continue its schools-based STARS scheme and Active Travel Ambassadors programme.
Further funding includes £2 million for National Park Authorities to improve accessible routes, and up to £1 million shared between selected ports and airports to support planning work that enables more journeys to be made actively.
Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said: “This is a practical investment that changes how people move every day. It’s a child gaining the confidence to ride to school, a family choosing to walk, or someone getting back on a bike because it finally feels possible. Those small shifts add up quickly – to healthier lives, lower costs, and less pressure on our roads and NHS.
"We know that when people feel safe and supported, they make different choices – and that’s when you see whole communities start to move differently. This isn’t just about active travel in isolation. It strengthens public transport by improving the first and last mile, it gives families more affordable options, and it makes our streets safer for everyone. It’s one of the most effective investments we can make to improve everyday life and give people real choice in how they get around.”
Bikeability has partnered with the ACT for Local Bike Shop Week, an industry-wide initiative expanded from a single-day celebration into a full week of activities showcasing independent cycle retailers.