Cumbrian councils have been awarded a total of £8 million to get its residents moving.
Active Travel has confirmed that Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness councils will get the cash to support walking, wheeling and cycling across the county.
The funding for Cumberland Council, provided through the Government’s Local Transport Consolidated Settlements managed by the Department for Transport, will see £910,076 capital funding a year for four years and £285,543 revenue funding a year for three years.
The authority said it would allow it to have long term certainty to plan, design and deliver schemes that make it easier and safer for people to choose sustainable travel.
It added: “The allocation is based on Cumberland’s population and its Active Travel Capability Rating, which has been confirmed as Level 2 on a scale of 0–4 following a self‑assessment completed in the summer.
“The grading indicates strong organisational capability and local leadership, and clear plans that form the basis of an emerging active travel network, with a few elements already in place on the ground. Higher capability ratings attract higher levels of funding.”
Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s executive member for sustainable transport and infrastructure, said: “This funding is a real vote of confidence in our ambition to make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and more accessible for everyone in Cumberland.
“The multi‑year settlement means we can plan ahead with certainty, delivering more schemes that connect communities, reduce congestion, and improve health and wellbeing. We look forward to working with residents and partners to ensure these investments make a lasting difference.”
Westmorland and Furness Council has secured over £3.5 million of funding over the next four years.
The council said: “Thanks to the funding, it will be possible to progress even more high-quality infrastructure projects identified in the area’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans.”
The Active Travel England funding announced this week comprises capital funding of £754,497 per year for the next four years, along with £236,729 of revenue funding per year for the next three years.
Councillor John Murray, Westmorland and Furness Council cabinet member for transport and regulatory services welcomed the funding.
Councillor Murray said: “This announcement is fantastic news for our area. We have secured this money from a funding pot that is ring-fenced for active travel initiatives, so it can only be used for that specific purpose, and I want to extend my thanks to the team who put together this funding bid and who are working so hard to deliver our ambitious Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans.
“The fact that it is a long-term settlement is particularly welcome, providing the funding certainty that will allow us to strategically plan how we invest this money to really deliver on our commitment to creating greener, safer, and more accessible environments for active travel in Westmorland and Furness.’’
Previous funding has already been used to deliver new active travel schemes on North Walney, work is currently ongoing on another scheme on Abbey Road in Barrow and schemes are in development for Kendal’s riverside and as part of Penrith active travel improvements.
Now the latest funding has been secured, the council will be starting the process to assess how to allocate the money and which other projects can be taken forward over the next few years.
Creating new active travel infrastructure and promoting active travel for everyday journeys is an essential part of the council’s journey to achieving priorities on climate change, supporting sustainable economic growth and helping communities to lead active, healthy lives.
Councillor Murray added: “By investing in sustainable transport options, we aim to encourage more people to choose walking, wheeling and cycling for shorter journeys, helping to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enhance overall well-being for all generations.”
