London's road ahead for walking and cycling

In a move to promote active travel, Transport for London (TfL) has announced a fresh injection of £580,000 to support walking and cycling initiatives across the capital.

The grants, available through TfL’s Walking and Cycling Grants London programme, aim to dismantle barriers to active travel by focusing on underserved communities and those less likely to walk or cycle regularly.

From women-only cycling groups offering safe spaces to learn and ride, to initiatives providing accessible bikes and tailored support for older adults and disabled people, as well as outreach programmes designed to engage ethnic minority communities, the funding is designed to ensure that active travel is for everyone.

According to TfL, successful applicants will receive up to £10,000 over three years to fund schemes that promote walking and cycling. Previous projects funded through the programme include community bike repair workshops, cycling lessons for beginners, and group walks designed to combat loneliness and improve mental health. These initiatives are as much about building confidence and social connections as they are about encouraging physical activity.

One standout example is the London-based project that trained volunteers to lead guided walks, helping participants discover local green spaces and less congested routes. Similarly, cycle libraries, where residents can borrow bikes for free, have been transformative in areas where owning a bike might otherwise be out of reach.

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The funding announcement comes at a critical time. With air pollution contributing to around 4,000 premature deaths annually in London, the city faces an urgent need for solutions that encourage active travel. Research consistently shows that walking and cycling can significantly improve physical and mental health, reducing the risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression.

For a city grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic pressures, these benefits are more relevant than ever.

The success of these projects depends on overcoming entrenched cultural and infrastructural barriers. For many Londoners, fears about road safety, lack of accessible infrastructure, and social stigma around cycling persist.

To address these concerns, the funding programme also emphasises education and engagement. Workshops on road safety, bike maintenance, and journey planning will complement physical improvements such as cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings. By integrating these elements, TfL hopes to create a ripple effect, normalising walking and cycling across diverse demographics.

The potential impact of this funding cannot be overstated. Beyond health and environmental benefits, promoting active travel can foster stronger, more connected communities. Group walks and rides, for instance, offer opportunities to meet neighbours and forge friendships. For older adults and disabled people, these activities can provide a lifeline, reducing isolation and improving quality of life.

While £580,000 is a relatively modest sum in the context of London’s multi-billion-pound transport budget, its targeted use could yield significant returns by directly addressing community needs.

Ultimately, this funding is a step towards a healthier, greener London, aligning with how cities worldwide are embracing similar initiatives to combat climate change, improve public health, and foster community resilience.

By encouraging more Londoners to walk and cycle, the city can reduce its reliance on cars, cut carbon emissions, and create safer, more vibrant neighbourhoods. And in doing so, it will send a powerful message to other cities: investing in people and their potential to embrace active travel is an investment in a better future for all.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover  and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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