York and North Yorkshire projects to share £4m travel funding

Nearly 40 projects across York and North Yorkshire are set to receive a share of £4 million in funding. A total of 39 schemes will share the funds from the Mayor’s Active Travel Fund, aimed at improving walking and cycling access. The funding will support upgrades to routes, secure bike storage, and confidence-building training, particularly for those travelling to school, work, medical appointments, and leisure activities. Projects were proposed by schools, community groups, councils, and national park authorities. David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: "We know many people want to walk, wheel and cycle more, but too often face barriers, whether that’s concerns about safety, a lack of skills or confidence, or the cost of buying a bike. “That’s why I launched this fund: to make active travel safer, easier and more accessible for people travelling to school, training, work, healthcare appointments and leisure activities. "I’m proud to support these 39 schemes, investing in new and improved facilities, building confidence, and creating safer routes. "Together, they will help leave a lasting legacy of inclusive active travel, safer school journeys, and healthier, greener, more connected communities for generations to come." Funded projects include the Natural Health Service, which encourages walking, wheeling and public transport use, helping to create healthier and more active communities in the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Howardian Hills and Nidderdale, and improvements to the Cinder Track with adaptive bikes and better access. Other projects involve upgraded routes around York’s Knavesmire and through Bootham Stray, including wider paths and improved lighting. Fifteen schools across the region, including those in Whitby, Selby, York, Harrogate, and Ripon, will receive part of the funding for secure bike storage, cycle training, and maintenance support. Seventeen community groups also secured funding, with projects ranging from pathway improvements to monthly cycling sessions at York Racecourse. Carrie Wheater, CEO of Refugee Action York, said: "We are delighted to have secured funding through the Mayor’s Active Travel Fund, which will help address some of the barriers refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant families and young people in York face in accessing affordable, safe and independent transport." Councillor Malcolm Taylor, executive member for highways and transportation at North Yorkshire Council, welcomed the improvements to Skipton’s canal towpath. He said: "The upgraded towpath will make a real difference, providing a high-quality link between residential areas in Skipton, the town centre, hospital and public transport. "As safe, traffic-free corridors for walking, wheeling and cycling, towpaths play an important role in supporting healthier lifestyles and reducing reliance on cars, helping us move towards a greener future." The Active Travel Fund is part of the mayor’s £7 million Moving Forward campaign, which seeks to improve health and wellbeing across York and North Yorkshire through better transport and outdoor access.