Active Travel Innovation Fund launched to boost walking, wheeling and cycling

Organisations and businesses are being invited to bid for a share of £1 million in funding to deliver initiatives to encourage active travel.

The government’s Active Travel Innovation Fund will help start or scale engagement projects that will have a positive impact on walking, wheeling and cycling. Funding of up to £100,000 per project will go to SMEs and NGOs to help develop new ideas or to expand on successful initiatives that are already making a difference. Examples could include 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 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.

“We’re excited to see the creativity and ambition of applicants and look forward to working closely with the selected organisations to deliver positive and lasting change to the way people travel.“

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.

“The government is providing £1 million to back bold projects from small businesses and community groups to encourage more people to choose these healthier, more active, options for short journeys.”

In addition to funding, successful applicants will receive practical support from Active Travel England (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 of projects 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.

The window for applications runs until 14 November 2025. For full details and eligibility criteria, visit the government Find a Grant website.