Ministers want 60% of children walking or cycling to school by 2035

Ministers Aim for 60% of Children to Walk or Cycle to School by 2035

Government's Active Travel Strategy

Ministers want 60 of children walking - The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced plans to boost active travel in England, targeting a 60% increase in children walking or cycling to school by 2035. This initiative is part of a broader strategy backed by a historic £4.5bn investment, designed to create safer routes for millions of young commuters. The plan also includes a goal to ensure at least half of all short trips in urban areas are made by foot or bike within the same timeframe.

A £135 million program will support training for children to navigate safe walking and cycling paths, as well as assist schools in developing travel plans. While local authorities already encourage reducing car use, this funding aims to expand the effort systematically. The DfT highlights that the strategy will be implemented in collaboration with Active Travel England and regional councils.

Infrastructure Developments

By 2030, the government plans to construct 5,000 new walking, wheeling, and cycling routes, along with 10,000 safer crossings. These measures are intended to make active transportation a more accessible option for families. The national walking and cycling network will also be integrated into route mapping apps within five years, ensuring real-time guidance for users.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated:

"Too many people would like to walk, wheel or cycle more often but don't feel they have safe and convenient options to do so." "This is about creating healthier communities, helping households keep more money in their pockets and building a transport network that works better for everyone."

Public Health and Economic Impact

Health Secretary James Murray added:

"The plan would help more people build exercise into their everyday lives, improving public health and supporting our ambition to reduce pressure on the NHS."

The strategy is expected to add 5.3 million more individuals to the active population in towns and cities, according to DfT projections. It also emphasizes the development of a unified national active travel system with standardized signage and online availability, aligning it with existing road networks for seamless use.