Source: Smart Cities World, ATE Image source: ATE

Active Travel England (ATE) has awarded funds to 12 projects which promote walking, wheeling and cycling, with each receiving up to £100,000 (€115,690) following a competitive bid process in 2025. Winning projects include an e-cargo bike-sharing scheme in Brighton and Hove, and an e-cycling hub in Bradford.

PedalUK was awarded £99,819 (€115,480) for its OurBike e-cargo bike-sharing pilot scheme to be delivered in Brighton and Hove, alongside the City Council and the University of Brighton. OurBike represents the UK’s largest community e-cargo bike share network, launched in 2022 and, until now, mainly operating across 16 London boroughs and in three rural communities. The bikes are hosted by local business and community hubs, and OurBike statistics show that 66% of users replace car trips.

Emma Hughes, General Manager at PedalUK/OurBike, said, “This funding enables OurBike to launch and test our London e-cargo bike share scheme outside the capital in Brighton & Hove Building on research from the University of Brighton and working with Brighton & Hove City Council and local partners, we are addressing the real barriers to e-cargo bike use by embedding bikes in communities and making everyday cycling more accessible and affordable for families and businesses carrying children, goods or equipment.”

Bradford-based Capital of Cycling was awarded £100,000 (€115,690) for its e‑cycling hub and toolkit which helps organisations to set up cycle libraries and loan schemes. The aim of the libraries and loan schemes is to turn the users into long-term cyclists under their own steam, by loaning standard or cargo e-bikes for periods of two to eight weeks to qualifying participants. Scheme users are encouraged to share their experiences with other users and Capital of Cycling, and receive guidance on acquiring their own e-bike or traditional bike at the end of the loan period.

Other projects receiving funding include community behaviour change programmes, gamified walking campaigns and accessible wheeling apps.

National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman, said:

“These projects are about testing fresh ideas in the real world and finding out what works.

“By backing smaller, innovative organisations across the country, we are tapping into more imaginations, reaching people in the heart of the community and building a strong evidence base that will further improve everyday journeys for people who walk, wheel and cycle now and in the future.

“The lessons we learn will help councils, businesses and communities invest in approaches that are inclusive, practical and deliver tangible benefits. It’s about making it easier for more people to choose active travel for everyday trips, whatever their age, ability or background.”