Cumberland Council has secured a substantial funding boost of £870,588 for Active Travel initiatives.
Funding of £674,926, granted through the government's Active Travel Fund, aims to enhance cycling, walking, and wheeling routes in the Cumberland area. The Active Travel Fund is part of the government's larger £2 billion commitment outlined in Gear Change, with a focus on promoting active travel for everyday trips and creating better streets for everyone.
The council successfully secured this funding by submitting a bid, in line with the criteria set by Active Travel England (ATE), back in November 2023. The allocated funds will be distributed across various schemes:
Workington: LCWIP Route 10 Improvement - £445,000
Delivery of Local Cycling, Walking and Infrastructure plan (LCWIP) improvements along Central Way to enhance cycling, walking and wheeling connectivity, linking the north and south of Workington. The project also includes vegetation removal along the off-road National Cycle Network south of Central Way, for a cost-effective solution to make the route more attractive and useable.
Carlisle: London Road LCWIP Route 28 Cycleway - £180,000
Additional design development for a cycling, walking, and wheeling route along London Road in Carlisle. The project aims to support the delivery of St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, featuring a bi-directional cycle track and improved crossing points.
Lowca: NCN72 Realignment and Improvement - £49,926
Design development for the realignment and improvement of Hadrian’s Cycleway, National Cycle Network Route 72 (NCN72), in Lowca. The project focuses on inclusivity, accessibility, and safety, including the realignment of NCN72 and improvements to the route through Lowca Park, including a new Toucan crossing.
Cumberland Council is currently planning the next steps on these projects and will keep residents and businesses informed about the commencement of the work.
This programme complements our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans. The LCWIPs identify and prioritise cycling, walking and wheeling improvements at a local level, focusing on routes used for everyday shorter journeys.
Capability Funding 2024
Cumberland Council has also been awarded £195,662, from Active Travel England’s Capability Fund for 2024. Investment is focussed on authorities with high ambition and capability, but with appropriate support and funding for all authorities to boost capability to deliver high quality schemes in the future.
In October 2023 ATE invited all Local Authorities to complete an Active Travel Capability Ratings Self-Assessment, with submissions in December 2023.
The self-assessment allowed ATE to understand what local authorities have achieved to date, to support and help authorities to focus their funding where it will have the most impact and be consistent with Government objectives.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
"This is fantastic news for Cumberland Council, with the Department for Transport providing nearly £700,000 to support projects in Carlisle, Lowca, and Workington; and further funding to help build on the council’s capability and ambition to deliver high quality active travel schemes.
"Embracing an active lifestyle offers great benefits for our well-being. By engaging in activities like walking, cycling, and wheeling, we not only enhance our mental and physical health but also contribute to improved air quality in our communities which will help to reduce congestion within our towns.
"As we move forward, if it is possible, let's conscientiously consider our transport choices. Before reaching for our car keys, let's explore the possibility of walking, cycling, or wheeling to our destination."