Active Travel Innovation Fund to award grants of up to £100,000 for successful bids

The government’s newly established Active Travel Innovation Fund is inviting applications from small to medium-sized businesses and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help start or scale engagement projects that will have a positive impact on walking, wheeling and cycling.

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Underpinned by the potential for increased active travel to boost public health, reduce sick days, ease pressure on the NHS, reduce congestion and strengthen local economies, organisations and businesses can bid for a share of £1m, with individual grants of up to £100,000 available.

As examples of the kind of project that might receive support, Active Travel England (ATE) highlights community projects that help under-represented groups make more active travel choices, partnerships between councils and local communities or businesses to promote sustainable travel, or digital tools that improve safety and accessibility.

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 to 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.”

The Minister for Local Transport, Lilian Greenwood, said, “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.”

In addition to funding, successful applicants will receive practical support from ATE and the Government Grant Managed Service (GGMS). This could include help with building partnerships, connecting with new stakeholders, or setting up ways to measure and track the success of their projects.

The funding period will run for 12 months, followed by an evaluation process, with each organisation asked to share a case study and final report into how the funds have made an impact. Through the funding, ATE aims to create a wide network of partners to share ideas and collaboratively develop skills, while providing valuable feedback to ATE as they continue to champion and accelerate active travel in England.