Cycle orgs share £30m for ‘Active Travel’ campaign

The new programme of ‘active travel’ advice will benefit up to two million people, says new body, the Active Travel Consortium (ATC).

The ATC’s lead partner is Sustrans and its members are British Cycling, Cycling England, CTC, Living Streets, London Cycling Campaign, National Heart Forum, National Obesity Forum, The Ramblers Association, Transport 2000 and Walk21.

“The four year programme will give millions of people who are currently inactive the practical support they need to walk and cycle as part of their everyday lives,” says the ATC.

“Leading an active lifestyle, by including walking and cycling and part of our daily routine, has a huge part to play in tackling the worrying rise in obesity. The ATC’s wide ranging portfolio of projects is designed to help people who would not usually walk or cycle to make their journeys to school, work and in their local areas by foot or bike.”

Hundreds of projects will be delivered by the ATC members. These range from cycling mentoring schemes and walking projects aimed at lower-income groups to bespoke travel behaviour change at work to encourage people out of their cars. There will also be ‘enhancement schemes’ in local areas to make them safer and more attractive for walking and cycling.

Work will begin on the projects from January 2008.

Malcolm Shepherd of Sustrans, says; “Coming at a time when over half of all men and nearly three quarters of all women are not physically active enough to benefit their health and wellbeing this funding gives a huge opportunity to get those people who are not currently active incorporating, and enjoying, walking and cycling, as part of their everyday lives.”