Active Travel England invites SMEs and NGOs to bid for funding
Comments Off on Active Travel England invites SMEs and NGOs to bid for fundingSource: Cycling Industry News
Active Travel England (ATE), the UK executive agency which aims to increase the number of local journeys being walked, wheeled or cycled, is inviting bids for grants of up to £100,000, from a £1 million funding pot distributed through the Active Travel Innovation Fund. Eligible applicants include Small / Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who can present new or already successful initiatives for promoting and supporting active travel.
Examples of projects presented in the bidding process could include:
- community initiatives designed to help under-represented groups in choosing more active travel options
- partnerships between councils and local businesses and community groups for the promotion of active travel
- digital tools designed to enhance accessibility to safe active travel
Application for funding is open until midday on Friday 14th November, and the funding period for projects will run for 12 months, after which an evaluation process will commence – each organisation will be asked to report on how the funds have made an impact. The funding is accompanied by practical support to successful applicants from ATE and the Government Grant Managed Service (GGMS).
Through the funding initiative, ATE is aiming to create a wide, collaborative partner network, and gather valuable feedback on the progress of active travel promotion and uptake. It follows an announcement earlier in the year of a £300 million funding package to support local authorities in the creation of new infrastructure for walking and cycling and the provision of cycle training for children. Multiple outcomes are expected, including reducing traffic congestion, cutting sick days, and helping to strengthen local economies.
Former professional cyclist Chris Boardman, the 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.”
The 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. We’re building a healthy, sustainable and joined-up network, a key part of our Plan for Change to boost local businesses, grow local economies and ease pressure on the NHS.”
Organisations can apply for the funding here.