Active Travel England (ATE) is undertaking a year-long project with 10 English National Parks to provide funding and support for the development of rural walking, wheeling, and cycling routes.
ATE is supporting each national park to develop and deliver activities aimed at increasing their level of capability. Activities range from network planning and scheme design through to public engagement and bespoke officer training.
Workshops and advice sessions will help authorities to develop the tools and approaches to successfully deliver activities that will best serve their local area and communities. The sessions will also enable ATE to better understand the needs of rural communities.
The funding and support will allow authorities to develop a pipeline of projects for future investments, with a focus on inclusive routes that connect schools, employment and leisure sites with local communities.
Better walking, wheeling, and cycling routes will bring health, environmental, and financial benefits to residents and the more than 90 million people who visit National Parks each year. The project is due to complete by Spring 2025.