Government Pledges Billions for Active Travel by 2030
Transport Secretary outlines plans for devolved funding and ambitious targets for walking and cycling.
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The government's approach to active travel is being significantly bolstered with a commitment to invest billions by 2030, a substantial portion of which will be devolved to local authorities. This strategy aims to make walking, wheeling, and cycling integral parts of everyday journeys, rather than an afterthought. The announcement was made on 22 September 2026 by the Transport Secretary.
Personal Reflections and Policy Vision
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Reflecting on personal experiences, the Transport Secretary shared memories of cycling in Swindon as a child and later in London during his twenties due to the cost of travel cards. He also highlighted his pride in delivering segregated cycling infrastructure, such as Cycleway 4 to Greenwich, during his time as Deputy Mayor of London. This personal history informs his current determination to prioritise active travel as Transport Secretary.
The policy vision is to create a coherent transport system where each mode complements the next, ensuring accessibility and safety for all users, from experienced athletes to casual cyclists. The government is keen to avoid pitting different modes of transport against each other, instead focusing on providing greater choice and integrating active travel into the broader transport network. This includes improving infrastructure, such as pavements and school streets, and empowering local decision-making.
The Bee Network and Devolved Power
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The Bee Network in Greater Manchester was presented as a leading example of successful active travel integration and devolution. The network, which began as an active travel plan, has expanded to encompass the wider transport system, resulting in 700 million active travel trips taken last year. The Transport Secretary stated that this success demonstrates the demand for active travel when safe routes are provided.
The strategy places significant emphasis on local control, with mayors and councils taking the lead in decision-making, supported nationally by Active Travel England. This devolved approach is intended to address specific local needs that may be overlooked at a national level. The government is committed to providing multi-year funding to enable local authorities to develop and implement long-term active travel plans.
Future Ambitions and Investment
Looking ahead, the government has set an ambitious target for at least 60% of children to be walking and cycling to school by 2035. This goal is supported by a landmark agreement with mayors to deliver 3,500 miles of footways, safer crossings, and cycle lanes. Additionally, £104 million has been allocated to transform the National Cycle Network, focusing on maintenance, expansion, and the development of new routes.
The investment in active travel is framed as a key component of the Prime Minister's vision for the country, aiming to create more connected, less congested, and safer places to live. The increased use of active travel is expected to improve public health, reduce traffic, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Questions this report answers
+How much will be invested in active travel by 2030?
Billions of pounds are set to be invested in active travel by 2030. The majority of this funding will be devolved to local government, enabling them to implement long-term plans for walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure.
+What is the target for children walking and cycling to school?
The government's ambition is for at least 60% of children to be walking and cycling to school by 2035. This target is supported by a commitment to deliver 3,500 miles of new footways, safer crossings, and cycle lanes.
+What is the Bee Network?
The Bee Network is the integrated transport system for Greater Manchester, which originated as an active travel plan. It is highlighted as a success story for devolution, having facilitated 700 million active travel trips last year through improved infrastructure and planning.
+What funding is allocated for the National Cycle Network?
£104 million has been announced to transform the National Cycle Network. This funding will be used for maintenance, expansion, updating signage, fixing bridges, and developing new routes, particularly around the High Speed Two line.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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