Cumberland Council welcomes the award of over £1.3 million for active travel, securing vital investment to enhance walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure across the Cumberland area.
The funding, allocated by Active Travel England (ATE) as part of a £300 million national initiative, could enable the delivery of high-quality active travel schemes designed to make every day journeys safer, easier, and more accessible. Cumberland Council’s funding package includes:
- £998,838 from the Consolidated Active Travel Fund
- £327,163 from Active Travel Fund 5
This investment could help with the creation of improved crossings and junctions, safer cycling routes, and better pedestrian access—helping to encourage more people to choose active travel options. Additionally, the funding could also contribute to cycle training for children, ensuring the next generation feels confident and safe on two wheels.
Cllr Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient, and Connected Places, welcomed the news, saying:
“This is excellent news for Cumberland. The funding from Active Travel England will help contribute to delivering schemes that prioritise high design quality and safety while offering real value for money.
“An active lifestyle benefits both our mental and physical well-being, helping to reduce stress and improve overall health. It also contributes to cleaner air and reduced congestion in our towns, making Cumberland a better place to live, work, and visit.
“This funding means that we can build on our ambition to create high-quality, sustainable transport options for all. As we move forward, let’s consider our transport choices—before reaching for the car keys, could we walk, cycle, wheel instead or use public transport?”
Cumberland Council is now prioritising the design and delivery of a small number of active travel schemes, within our wider ambition of promoting healthier and cost-effective ways to travel. Updates on specific projects will be shared in due course.
