The Government has unveiled ambitious new national targets to increase walking and cycling across England.

It is being backed by a £4.5 billion investment programme aimed at creating safer routes, new crossings and improved infrastructure over the next decade.

The Government wants the majority of short trips in urban environments to be completed by walking or cycling.

And breathe

New national targets aim to encourage people to move away from motorised transport to improve the environment, reduce pollution and improve health and fitness.

They form a key part of the Government’s wider transport, public health and environmental agenda, with ministers seeking to encourage more people to make everyday journeys on foot or by bicycle while reducing congestion, improving air quality and cutting carbon emissions.

Under the proposals, local authorities will be expected to support significant increases in active travel, with new funding allocated for dedicated cycle lanes, safer junctions, pedestrian crossings, school streets and improvements to local walking networks.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the investment would help create healthier communities and provide people with realistic alternatives to short car journeys.

Holistic approach

The Government believes increasing levels of walking and cycling could deliver substantial economic benefits through improved public health, reduced pressure on the NHS and lower transport-related emissions.

The announcement builds on previous active travel programmes but represents one of the largest long-term funding commitments made by any UK Government for walking and cycling infrastructure.

According to government figures, almost 60% of car trips in England are under five miles, while around a quarter are less than two miles, distances that ministers argue could often be completed by walking, cycling or other forms of active travel if suitable infrastructure is available.

The new investment is expected to fund hundreds of miles of additional cycling routes and thousands of safer road crossings.

Cutting casualties

Road safety campaigners have welcomed the focus on infrastructure, arguing that safety concerns remain one of the biggest barriers preventing more people from cycling regularly.

Recent Department for Transport data shows that around 16,000 pedal cyclist casualties are recorded annually on Britain’s roads, while concerns about traffic danger continue to discourage many potential cyclists.

The charity Cycling UK said protected cycle routes and safer junctions are essential if cycling rates are to increase significantly.

Meanwhile, walking organisations have highlighted the importance of improved pedestrian facilities, particularly for older people, children and those with disabilities.

Breaking habits

However, the plans are likely to generate mixed reactions among motorists.

While many drivers support measures to reduce congestion and improve road safety, some motoring groups have previously raised concerns about road-space reallocation schemes that remove traffic lanes or parking spaces.

However, transport analysts argue that successful active travel schemes can ultimately benefit motorists by reducing traffic volumes and pressure on urban road networks.

Research commissioned by government bodies has consistently shown that towns and cities with higher levels of walking and cycling often experience lower congestion levels and improved local economic activity.

The announcement also aligns with the Government’s wider environmental commitments and efforts to achieve net-zero emissions targets.

Healthier atmosphere

Industry experts believe the scale of the investment signals a long-term shift in transport policy away from simply accommodating growing traffic volumes towards creating a more balanced transport network.

While the success of the programme will ultimately depend on delivery at the local level, the combination of national targets and £4.5bn of funding represents one of the most significant commitments yet to active travel in England.

For motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike, the coming years could see substantial changes to how roads and streets are designed, with greater emphasis on safety, accessibility and sustainable transport options.