Transport for London open applications for new Walking and Cycling Grants

Transport for London have announced that they will be making £500,00o available to fund walking and cycling projects in the capital in the latest round of Walking and Cycling Grants.

Since the scheme was launched in 2015, it has awarded over £2.5m in grants, supporting over 339 projects, with nearly 70,000 people benefitting from the scheme.

At the same time, applications for Community Ideas Grants fund grants of up to £5,000 for one year projects are also being opened to smaller groups who may not have applied for a grant or run a community project before. In this case the applicants can pick from a list of previously successful walking or cycling projects to run in their community. These projects will receive support throughout the application and delivery period and at the end of the year are free to apply for further funding and join the Walking and Cycling Grants London scheme. 

The sort of projects supported by the Walking and Cycling Grants are those which: ‘encourage people to walk and/or cycle more often and more safely for transport, exercise or leisure, particularly those who are new to walking or cycling, used to cycle but no longer do so, or are infrequent walkers or cyclists.’ 

TfL are also keen to support schemes that  ‘focus on connecting with a diverse range communities which are currently detached, for a variety of reasons, from walking or cycling in London.’

Previous schemes supported include West Euston Partnership’s Ability Bikes project which has been offering cycling for disabled people, their families, and special schools on adapted bikes in Regent’s Park. Many of the participants had not had the opportunity to cycle before – they have not previously had access to adapted bikes or a safe place to ride.

Another was L’Arche in Lambeth who developed 10 walking and cycling sessions to encourage people with learning disabilities or additional needs to stay active. When TfL surveyed participants who took part in the projects in 2021/2022, 89% felt more positive about cycling and 94%felt more positive about walking.

Funded by TfL, in partnership with The London Marathon Foundation, and administered by Groundwork London, the Walking and Cycling Grants can provide up to £10,000 over three years to successful applicants. Possible applicants include community groups, not for profit organisations and charities.

Catherine Anderson, Executive Director of the London Marathon Foundation, said: ‘Our mission at the London Marathon Foundation is to inspire activity, particularly for marginalised communities who may not have the same access to physical activity as others.

‘Together with Transport for London, we’ve been able to create opportunities for thousands of people from different communities across London to walk and cycle – supporting their physical and mental wellbeing as well as the environment by travelling more sustainably. We look forward to funding more community groups through Walking and Cycling Grants London and helping many more people to lead active and healthy lives.’