Council secures over £1 million to create even more dedicated walking, wheeling and cycling routes across communities.
Active Travel England has awarded Westmorland and Furness Council ring-fenced funding to support the development of new schemes that will encourage people in Barrow, Kendal and Penrith to choose active travel for everyday journeys.
Thanks to the funding, even more high-quality infrastructure projects identified in the area’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) will be completed by 2026, offering safer, more accessible, and better-connected routes for residents and visitors to travel actively across the area.
By improving infrastructure, the council aims to encourage more people to opt for walking, wheeling, and cycling, reducing reliance on cars for short trips and contributing to a healthier, low-carbon transport network.
The £1,099,299 funding pot includes £271,234 from the Government’s Active Travel 5 Fund (ATF5) and a further £828,086 from the Consolidated Active Travel Fund (CATF).
Cllr John Murray, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services welcomed the funding: “This announcement is fantastic news for our area, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to the team working tirelessly to deliver our ambitious Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans.
“We are delighted to have secured this funding, which will allow us to expand dedicated infrastructure and further our commitment to creating greener, safer, and more accessible environments for active travel. Exciting schemes are already being delivered in Barrow, including improvements on North Walney, with work soon to begin on Abbey Road. This funding will enable us to build on that progress, bringing similar benefits to other towns across Westmorland and Furness.
“By investing in sustainable transport options, we aim to encourage more people to choose cycling, wheeling, and walking for shorter journeys, helping to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enhance overall well-being in our communities.”
The North Walney cycling and walking route is progressing well in Barrow-in-Furness. Set to complete in Spring 2025. The infrastructure will fully separate cyclists from vehicles through enhancing and widening current footpaths between Vickerstown Park and Earnse Bay. It has been designed for people of all abilities and ages so they can choose to walk, wheel or cycle with ease and ‘actively’ access the growing opportunities at key employment and education sites across Barrow-in-Furness and the planned Earnse Bay Community Hub.
Preparations are also underway for further investment in Abbey Road; a key route into Barrow.
Creating new active travel infrastructure is an essential part of the Council’s journey to achieving priorities on climate change, supporting sustainable economic growth and helping our communities to lead active, healthy lives.
More information on Westmorland and Furness Council’s Active Travel Programme can be found the Council’s website.
