Active Travel Funding Win

As the Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport, I am thrilled to announce that Worcestershire County Council has secured £162,519 in capacity funding from Active Travel England. This funding will allow us to develop further planning documents, known as Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs), to facilitate improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure in more areas of Worcestershire.

Collaborating with district-level councils, we will utilise these plans to create safe and accessible cycling and walking routes, which will not only benefit our environment but also improve the health and wellbeing of our residents. Regular exercise through active travel can help to prevent a range of health conditions, including heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, and by promoting cycling and walking, we can empower our residents to take control of their own health and wellbeing.

As a Conservative-led council, we are committed to promoting sustainable modes of transport. Encouraging active travel can significantly reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, helping us to achieve our environmental goals. Additionally, improving cycling and walking infrastructure can reduce congestion on our roads, improving the flow of traffic for those who rely on cars for essential journeys. This can boost productivity and support economic growth, attracting businesses to the area and creating jobs.

We understand that investing in active travel infrastructure is particularly important for rural areas like Worcestershire. With longer travel distances and limited public transport options, many residents are reliant on cars to get around. By offering residents a viable and affordable alternative, we can provide them with a better quality of life and promote a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, this funding award from Active Travel England is a significant step forward in our efforts to promote sustainable modes of transport and improve the health, wellbeing, and prosperity of our residents. We will continue to work collaboratively with our district-level councils to develop effective local cycling and walking infrastructure plans that meet the needs of our communities and encourage positive modal choices. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier, and more sustainable future for Worcestershire.