£300m boost for active travel - and we're still playing catch-up

"Making it simple and safe to walk, wheel or cycle to schools, shops and workplaces is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation’s health, economy and get to net zero, all in one." You can always rely on National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman, to get the message across.

Active travel shouldn’t be seen as a luxury or an optional extra. It’s a vital part of tackling climate change, reducing congestion, and improving public health. The evidence is clear: walking and cycling cut emissions, save the NHS billions, and pump money into local economies.

So while the £300 million investment in walking, wheeling, and cycling announced this week is welcome, it’s clear we need to do even more.

Chris Boardman has been clear about where we need to be. To grow cycling in both rural and urban areas by 2030, we need to invest up to £18 billion. Alternatively, focusing on urban areas could achieve existing targets more efficiently for £9 billion.

{{cta-cycling}}

The £300 million package announced by the government and Active Travel England (ATE) will help make progress. It promises 300 miles of new walkways and cycle lanes, safer crossings, and bike training for hundreds of thousands of children. This is expected to generate 30 million more walking and cycling journeys each year, including over 20 million walk-to-school trips. The health benefits alone could result in 43,000 fewer sick days annually, easing pressure on the NHS and supporting healthier communities.

Chris Boardman has sounded a wake-up call for policy makers: “Free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic are benefits already being enjoyed as standard by our European neighbours, and it’s time we had the same life-improving choices.”

Across the Channel, active travel isn’t just encouraged – it’s prioritised. In the Netherlands, cycling infrastructure is planned and funded as an essential part of the transport network, not an afterthought.

Bicycle breakdowns

It's an unfortunate fact of life; bicycles can break down. Even the shortest journey comes to an abrupt halt if you can't fix a flat tyre, broken chain or buckled wheel at the roadside. It's why over 30 years ago we launched Cycle Rescue  - the UK's first breakdown cover for bicycles.

ETA Cycle Rescue covers e-bikes, too. If you ride a road-legal electric bicycle, we’ll cover it against mechanical faults, punctures or a flat battery.

How does Cycle Rescue cover work?

If you suffer a breakdown (including punctures, or even a flat e-bike battery) while out cycling, or are unable to continue due to an injury, our 24-hour Cycle Rescue team is on hand to arrange transport for you and your bicycle to a safe location.

Cycle Rescue costs only £24 per year with no hidden extras to pay if your bicycle suffers a breakdown.

Get Cycle Rescue for free when you buy ETA bicycle insurance

Every cycle insurance policy of ours includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)
‍

30% OFF

standard prices

E-bike Insurance Quick Quote

Start now

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.

‍

‍