Rutland County Council has been awarded £92,161 in Government funding to support the Oakham Road, Burley Road share use route scheme.
This funding is part of a £101 million investment nationwide from the Government’s Active Travel Fund (ATF), supporting local transport authorities with developing and constructing walking and cycling facilities.
Investment from Active Travel Fund 4 Extension alone will deliver almost 70 miles of new or improved walking and cycling routes, 154 new crossings and 47 safer junctions. This will give millions more people the option to walk, wheel or cycle, improving their health, reducing air pollution and making streets safer for all.
The schemes are funded by Active Travel England (ATE) and local authorities will work closely with residents to ensure they are attractive and inclusive for all.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said:
“This funding is a welcome boost for our local transport network, giving more members of our communities the choice to travel safely and sustainably by bike or foot.
“Investing in our cycling and walking routes provides more enjoyable ways to get to work, schools and shops, while also unlocking the physical and mental health benefits from outdoor exercise.”
Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner, said:
“This funding is not only going to give millions of people safer and more enjoyable ways to get to school, the shops and workplaces but it will also help local authorities to work with communities to come up with plans for future projects that will make the most difference, providing excellent value for money.
“We’re not just talking towns and cities. A lot of the funding is going to rural areas and we’re funding National Parks to develop new walking and cycling routes. This money is about innovation, too, and we’re excited to work with the West Midlands and Greater Manchester to trial and assess simpler zebra crossings and technologies to assist visually impaired people.”
Guy Opperman MP, Roads Minister, said:
“We’re committed to ensuring people can travel in the way that works best for them, which is why we’re investing over £100 million for over 100 kilometres of new walking and cycling routes, improved access to our national parks, and e-cycle loan schemes.
“This funding is not just an investment in new infrastructure, but in communities that will benefit from the social mobility and health benefits that improved and new walking and cycling routes will bring.”
