{"id":1191,"date":"2026-02-11T09:23:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T09:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/?p=1191"},"modified":"2026-02-17T13:08:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T13:08:03","slug":"wheres-that-cycle-lane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wheres-that-cycle-lane\/","title":{"rendered":"Where&#8217;s that cycle lane?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1191\" class=\"elementor elementor-1191\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a1d3012 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a1d3012\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c706060\" data-id=\"c706060\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de7f75e elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"de7f75e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1>Active travel in England: How cycling is being left behind<\/h1><p>Active travel funds are intended to improve walking, wheeling and cycling across England, yet vital cycling infrastructure is often the first to be sidelined or scrapped when budgets are strained and plans need condensing.<\/p><p>And this isn\u2019t anything new; a 2020 investigation found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk\/news\/2020\/12\/05\/one-four-councils-have-scrapped-reduced-cycle-lanes\/\">one in four councils to have scrapped or reduced &#8216;green roads&#8217; scheme<\/a>s<span style=\"font-size: 19px\">.<\/span><\/p><p>With <a href=\"https:\/\/questions-statements.parliament.uk\/written-questions\/detail\/2025-06-30\/63779\/\">\u00a3616 million of new funding allocated for active travel<\/a> between 2026 and 2030, a new wave of projects is on the horizon. Diving into the data, we discover how funding has been allocated, why we need better cycling infrastructure and what\u2019s been happening in recent years.<\/p><p>Scrapped cycling plans<\/p><p>So why are cycling plans so often treated as expendable? Our Managing Director, Tom Thornley, believes that the need for infrastructure is \u201cmisunderstood\u201d.<\/p><p>Tom shares, \u201cCycling infrastructure is still viewed as serving a small minority, rather than the large group of people who would cycle if conditions were right. Car-based transport is prioritised because it is familiar and politically safer in the short term.\u201d<\/p><p>There are already <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/899206\/cycling-participation-uk\/\">more than seven million cyclists in the UK<\/a>, accounting for roughly 10% of the population, a figure that would likely grow should safe and accessible infrastructure be in place. Surveying 1,000 adults in the UK, we found that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paulscycles.co.uk\/blog\/what-stops-people-in-the-uk-from-cycling\/\">72% of women and 50% of men<\/a> believe that a lack of cycle lanes and\/or poor road quality prevents them from cycling.<\/p><p>Sadly, dedicated spaces remain far from guaranteed as investment decisions continue to remove or dilute cycling plans as part of broader travel and transport developments.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-90e409d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"90e409d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d952c4c\" data-id=\"d952c4c\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-702e41a elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"702e41a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55fbb03 elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"55fbb03\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Tom adds, \u201cToo often, cycling is added to development plans as a box-ticking exercise and removed later with little scrutiny. That sends a clear message that cycling is not taken seriously.\u201d<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f65c6b elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"5f65c6b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ad7d7cf elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ad7d7cf\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-9c17da6\" data-id=\"9c17da6\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-615d5c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"615d5c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Examples of sidelined cycle routes and projects<\/h3><ul><li><a href=\"http:\/\/Whether we\u2019ll see a shift toward supporting cycling initiatives or a repeat of scrapped plans remains unclear. In December 2025, active travel groups called for clear targets on walking and cycling in England, arguing that current plans are too vague. To anticipate what the areas with significant funding allocations might get up to with their budgets, we explored their past projects and what they\u2019ve already said about the next few years. H3: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Receiving the biggest increase in funding per capita, Cambridge and Peterborough take cycling seriously. In February 2025, the combined authority committed to \u201ccreating clearer, more protected spaces for people to cycle with confidence\u201d, while other initiatives have included building England's first-ever cycle street and planning an ambitious new cycleway. Although, consultations for a new walking and cycling route in Bury St Edmunds were cancelled after residents expressed dissatisfaction with plans to make a section of Barton Road one-way to accommodate a cycle path, so efforts may be needed to secure genuine community buy-in for crucial cycling infrastructure. H3: Kent As a larger area, Kent has been allocated one of the highest funding allocations overall, a significant boost of \u00a312,271,296 compared to 2020-2025. But in recent years, plans for new walking and cycling schemes have been halted, and cycleways have not been maintained. Will cycling be a bigger priority for councillors in the future? According to a press release, funding may be used to improve cycling infrastructure and implement new cycle paths. H3: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole The council states that its efforts to deliver high-quality active travel improvements has led to an increase in funding, taking the top spot on our rankings. But this hasn\u2019t meant plans have been reduced in recent years. Due to a previous funding cut, cycle and bus lanes were removed from active travel plans covering several roads in the area, reducing the original 78 kilometres of walking and cycling improvements. We hope that cycling is given a priority in future initiatives. H3: Gloucestershire Another area near the top of our list, Gloucestershire has been focused on a major development: the Cycle Spine. This ambitious walking and cycling route aims to improve the quality and connectivity of cycling and walking facilities across the county. It\u2019s not without its problems, including a lack of drainage, which caused flooding on a stretch of the newly installed city centre section. But, with much of the route still under construction, it is likely to feature prominently in future plans and is certainly an exciting development! H2: The road ahead At Paul\u2019s Cycles, we want cycling to be normal. Not niche. Not something you need a full Lycra kit, confidence or an adrenaline rush to do. We depend on local authorities to prioritise cycling in their plans for 2026 to 2030, learn from setbacks experienced by previous councils and commit to making safer, connected cycling networks for cyclists (and those keen to get cycling once they feel able to!). In the meantime, there are ways to explore cycling safely and stay informed about new developments. Discover what prevents most people in the UK from cycling more often, or explore our guide to the best car-free adventures to get beyond the city roads while local infrastructure is still catching up. Looking to upgrade your ride? We offer a wide range of road, electric, mountain and gravel bikes. H3: Data collection This research compares the total active travel funding allocations for each local authority in mainland England, examining total allocations for 2020 to 2025 against those for 2026 to 2030. London is not included because it has a separate transport governance structure. Allocations have been population-weighted, expressed per 1,000 residents. For example, Norfolk County Council has been allocated \u00a37,869,947 in active travel funding over 2026 to 2030, which is \u00a38,369 per 1,000 residents. Government funding decisions consider assessed local authority needs and quality ratings. Population totals were sourced from Office for National Statistics using the most recent data published at the time of research (mid-2024). Active travel fund allocations were sourced from official government publications: Active Travel Capability Fund: Local transport authority allocations and Active Travel Fund: Final allocations (2020-2025). To allow for accurate comparisons, slight adjustments were made to account for governmental structural changes that occurred during the data collection period: Northamptonshire is listed as a whole, totalling all local authorities Cumbria is listed as a whole, totalling all local authorities All data is accurate as of February 2026.\">The Department for Transport penalised Brighton and Hove<\/a> for removing a temporary cycle lane extension, warning that future funding would be subject to proof of delivery. The lane was removed due to councillors feeling it required better planning to not upset other people using the road.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/articles\/c2036q09npgo\">Cycling upgrades along Dereham Road in Norwich were suddenly scrapped<\/a> with no consultation due to rising costs and limited funding, causing outrage from local councillors and members of the public.<\/li><li>There have been <a href=\"https:\/\/leamington.nub.news\/news\/local-news\/k2l-cycleways-forecast-for-completion-in-the-next-two-years-says-wcc-leader-270318\">significant delays<\/a> to a key planned cycling route from Kenilworth to Leamington in the West Midlands. Councillors have called it a low priority and noted that they will review the \u201cworth of cycle lanes\u201d. Funding had already been allocated to the route in 2019, yet developments have been significantly delayed \u2013 more than 3,000 residents have signed a petition backing the plans.<\/li><li>In Yorkshire, <a href=\"https:\/\/harrogatecycleaction.org.uk\/2025\/01\/18\/harrogate-station-gateway-tros\/\">cycling groups have been campaigning<\/a> for cyclists to be considered in plans for the Harrogate Station Gateway Project. A core element of the cycle route to create space for a protected cycle track was removed from the project scope, and the council has refused to implement an \u2018early release\u2019 to protect cyclists from buses at a potentially dangerous junction.<\/li><li>Initial plans for cycle safety improvements to a travel scheme in Bristol <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bristolpost.co.uk\/news\/bristol-news\/cycling-campaigners-blast-proposed-revamp-9777337\">were sidelined to create bus lanes<\/a>, despite campaigners warning the road remained &#8220;cycle-hostile&#8221; and calling the changes a \u201cmassive policy failure\u201d.<\/li><\/ul><h3>The impact of losing cycling infrastructure plans<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c24a293 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c24a293\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-bbb88ab\" data-id=\"bbb88ab\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58b4e17 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"58b4e17\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-175246.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1199\" alt=\"Three cyclists are cycling down a road; we can see them from behind. The road appears to be in the countryside as it is surrounded by trees and greenery.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-175246.png 883w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-175246-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-175246-768x510.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-175246-270x180.png 270w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-175246-370x245.png 370w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-83b1e1d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"83b1e1d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-0df78c3\" data-id=\"0df78c3\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8b38de elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d8b38de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Scrapped plans don\u2019t just impact cyclists but also constrain the wider growth of cycling as a transport option. Tom says, \u201cWhile cycling is becoming more accessible with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paulscycles.co.uk\/blog\/power-up-your-ride-electric-bikes-continue-to-soar\/\">rise of electric models<\/a>, a lack of infrastructure means that we\u2019re missing the real opportunity to get more people onto the road.\u201d<\/p><p>Conflicting views from those in charge can further undermine confidence in cycling. \u201cThe government encourages active travel, but councils continue to remove the infrastructure needed to support it,\u201d Tom explains. \u201cThis mixed messaging can directly affect people\u2019s willingness to buy and use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paulscycles.co.uk\/bikes\">bikes<\/a>\u00a0for everyday journeys.\u201d<\/p><h4>The impact on cyclists<\/h4><p>When promised infrastructure disappears, cyclists are left feeling exposed, safety concerns increase and confidence drops. Cycling becomes stressful rather than practical, which may deter cyclists from getting on a bike at all.<\/p><h4>The impact on non-cyclists<\/h4><p>People who planned to cycle, or even invest in an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paulscycles.co.uk\/bikes\/electric-bikes\">electric bike<\/a>, no longer feel it is safe or realistic. They use their car instead, adding to congestion and emissions. Over time, this reinforces the idea that cycling does not work, when the reality is that the environment has failed to support it.<\/p><h2>What are active travel funds?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-85509c9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"85509c9\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-27253e6\" data-id=\"27253e6\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32d2a5e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"32d2a5e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"513\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-175429.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1200\" alt=\"Travel route going through the middle of a green area. The left side of the route is being used by pedestrians, while the right side is an empty cycle lane. The route is surrounded by trees with fallen leaves on the ground.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-175429.png 882w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-175429-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-175429-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-175429-270x180.png 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f361f49 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f361f49\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-60bd4e2\" data-id=\"60bd4e2\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6c359cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6c359cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/active-travel-fund-monitoring-and-evaluation-of-schemes\/active-travel-fund-monitoring-and-evaluation\">The aim of the Active Travel Fund (ATF)<\/a> is to help make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and facilitate more trips by active modes of travel across England. Funds are allocated to local authorities who can use the budget for things such as infrastructure and traffic restraints, as well as to promote active travel and encourage changes in behaviour.<\/p><p>For financial years 2026\/27 to 2029\/30, the Active Travel Capability Fund has superseded previous initiatives. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/consultations\/developing-the-third-cycling-and-walking-investment-strategy-cwis3\/the-third-cycling-and-walking-investment-strategy-cwis3\">Funding includes<\/a>:<\/p><ul><li>\u00a3616 million in capital funding for active travel\u00a0<\/li><li>\u00a315.6 billion for Transport for City Regions\u00a0<\/li><li>\u00a32.3 billion through the Local Transport Grant\u00a0<\/li><li>\u00a3900 million a year to maintain and improve bus services\u00a0<\/li><li>\u00a324 billion for strategic and local roads, including pavements and cycling infrastructure<\/li><\/ul><h2>Regional Active Travel Fund allocations<\/h2><p>To understand how regional funding priorities are shifting, we analysed population-adjusted 2026 to 2030 funding allocations by local authority, examining both overall funding levels and changes since the 2020 to 2025 period. Things that can impact this include quality and capability scores, which consider the area\u2019s planning and delivery performance.<\/p><p>The table below illustrates the areas set to receive the most funding per 1,000 residents, with Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Unitary Authority, Gloucestershire County Council, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority coming out on top.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f3530c5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f3530c5\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ac90ba8\" data-id=\"ac90ba8\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-598c125 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"598c125\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<table style=\"width: 100%;border-width: 1px;border-style: solid;border-color: #dddddd;border-collapse: collapse\">\r\n  <thead>\r\n    <tr>\r\n      <th>Local Authority name<\/th>\r\n      <th>New funding allocation per 1,000 residents<\/th>\r\n      <th>Increase\/decrease in funding per 1,000 residents<\/th>\r\n      <th>2026-2030 total funds received (non-weighted)<\/th>\r\n    <\/tr>\r\n  <\/thead>\r\n  <tbody>\r\n    <tr>\r\n      <td>Bournemouth, Christchurch &amp; Poole Unitary Authority<\/td>\r\n      <td>\u00a327,182<\/td>\r\n      <td>+\u00a312,897<\/td>\r\n      <td>\u00a311,116,505<\/td>\r\n    <\/tr>\r\n    <tr>\r\n      <td>Gloucestershire County Council<\/td>\r\n      <td>\u00a326,839<\/td>\r\n      <td>-\u00a39,509<\/td>\r\n      <td>\u00a317,965,685<\/td>\r\n    <\/tr>\r\n    <tr>\r\n      <td>Cambridgeshire &amp; Peterborough Combined Authority<\/td>\r\n      <td>\u00a326,677<\/td>\r\n      <td>+\u00a316,392<\/td>\r\n      <td>\u00a324,915,193<\/td>\r\n    <\/tr>\r\n    <tr>\r\n      <td>Oxfordshire County Council<\/td>\r\n      <td>\u00a326,448<\/td>\r\n      <td>+\u00a33,933<\/td>\r\n      <td>\u00a320,185,686<\/td>\r\n    <\/tr>\r\n    <tr>\r\n      <td>Leicester Unitary Authority<\/td>\r\n      <td>\u00a326,186<\/td>\r\n      <td>+\u00a39,464<\/td>\r\n      <td>\u00a310,169,331<\/td>\r\n    <\/tr>\r\n  <\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2964950 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2964950\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-90838af\" data-id=\"90838af\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-723a426 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"723a426\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>With the exception of Gloucestershire, all regions with the highest allocations have seen significant increases since the previous funding rounds. Notably, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Unitary Authority rose from 19th position and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority moved up from 30th.<\/p>\n<p>The biggest funding increases per 1,000 residents have been:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cambridgeshire &amp; Peterborough Combined Authority with +\u00a316,392<\/li>\n<li>Bournemouth, Christchurch &amp; Poole Unitary Authority with +\u00a312,897<\/li>\n<li>Blackburn with Darwen Unitary Authority with +\u00a311,273<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Unsurprisingly, if we overlook population weightings, larger areas receive more funding overall, with West Midlands, Greater Manchester, and West Yorkshire Combined Authorities making up the top three in both rounds. In the next four years, they will receive (in total):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>West Midlands Combined Authority \u2013 \u00a336,009,295<\/li>\n<li>Greater Manchester Combined Authority \u2013 \u00a335,419,725<\/li>\n<li>West Yorkshire Combined Authority \u2013 \u00a329,018,362<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Regional drops in active travel funding<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5db3519 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5db3519\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-02c1feb\" data-id=\"02c1feb\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c5f5aee elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c5f5aee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-180506.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1201\" alt=\"Close-up of a man\u2019s hands holding an empty tan-coloured wallet\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-180506.png 882w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-180506-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-180506-768x510.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-180506-270x180.png 270w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-180506-370x245.png 370w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-61d69fa elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"61d69fa\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-9c8fe49\" data-id=\"9c8fe49\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0061e53 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0061e53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Regional focuses appear to be shifting, with the areas already heavily funded facing smaller allocations. The five local authorities that received the most funding per 1,000 residents in the last round have all experienced a total decrease of between \u00a33.2 million (Brighton and Hove Unitary Authority) and \u00a326.9 million (Liverpool City Region Combined Authority).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Liverpool actually had the largest funding allocation per 1,000 residents between 2020 and 2025; however, it is now ranked sixth. The biggest drops have been:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Slough Unitary Authority with &#8211;\u00a362,664 per 1,000 people<\/li>\n<li>Liverpool City Region Combined Authority with -\u00a352,944 per 1,000 people<\/li>\n<li>Kingston upon Hull Unitary Authority with -\u00a339,604 per 1,000 people<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The areas set to receive the least funding per 1,000 residents between 2026 and 2030 are Central Bedfordshire Unitary Authority with \u00a35,777, Luton Unitary Authority with \u00a35,806 and West Midlands Combined Authority with \u00a35,820.<\/p>\n<h2>Why we need better cycling infrastructure<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cEven if you never plan to cycle, cycling infrastructure still benefits you\u201d, Tom believes. Improvements deliver long-term savings and benefits, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Healthier populations to reduce pressure on the NHS<\/li>\n<li>Fewer car journeys to reduce congestion and road wear<\/li>\n<li>Cleaner air to improve our overall quality of life and reduce future pollution-related costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Because of this, Tom says that infrastructure should not be treated as optional spending.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9272d56 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9272d56\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-9291984\" data-id=\"9291984\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a147d50 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a147d50\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d46732e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d46732e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>\u201cCutting cycling schemes might look like an easy saving on paper, but it creates higher costs elsewhere and further down the line.\u00a0<br \/>\u201cIf councils are serious about sustainability targets, public health, and affordable transport, cycling infrastructure has to be protected in the same way that roads and public transport are. It cannot be the first thing dropped when budgets tighten.\u201d<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e72e42a elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"e72e42a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4a5ed77 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4a5ed77\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6f7131f\" data-id=\"6f7131f\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5927302 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5927302\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The stats back it up:<\/p><ul><li>While proposing active travel funds, the government found that <a href=\"https:\/\/commonslibrary.parliament.uk\/research-briefings\/cbp-8615\/\">62% of adults in England felt it was too dangerous for them to cycle on the road<\/a>, as many areas were not designed to support active travel.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclinguk.org\/press-release\/cycling-uks-reaction-autumn-budget-2025\">Cycling UK<\/a> states that for every \u00a31 spent on cycling and walking schemes in the UK, nearly \u00a36 is returned in benefits.<\/li><\/ul><p>\u201cWhen infrastructure is removed or watered down, people notice\u201d, Tom adds. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paulscycles.co.uk\/blog\/the-cities-that-cycle-the-least\/\">Many who intended to cycle simply do not bother<\/a> and default back to their car, or in some cases, revert to cycling on pavements due to the road being unsafe for cyclists. People are far more likely to ride when they believe that their route is safe, continuous and realistic.\u201d<\/p><h2>What cycling plans can we expect to see from priority areas?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7ec1c1b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7ec1c1b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-556259b\" data-id=\"556259b\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8db72e3 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8db72e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"670\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-180827.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1202\" alt=\"Close-up of a green cycle track which features a white graphic outline of a bicycle\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-180827.png 670w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-180827-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-180827-270x180.png 270w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-180827-370x245.png 370w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 670px) 100vw, 670px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-96a415e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"96a415e\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1199a4d\" data-id=\"1199a4d\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a7df06 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6a7df06\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Whether we\u2019ll see a shift toward supporting cycling initiatives or a repeat of scrapped plans remains unclear. In December 2025, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/2025\/dec\/07\/active-travel-groups-call-for-clear-targets-on-walking-and-cycling-in-england\">active travel groups called for clear targets<\/a> on walking and cycling in England, arguing that current plans are too vague.<\/p>\n<p>To anticipate what the areas with significant funding allocations might get up to with their budgets, we explored their past projects and what they\u2019ve already said about the next few years.<\/p>\n<h3>Cambridgeshire and Peterborough<\/h3>\n<p>Receiving the biggest increase in funding per capita, Cambridge and Peterborough take cycling seriously. In February 2025, the combined authority committed to \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk\/news\/6-5m-investment-to-make-walking-wheeling-and-cycling-easier-and-safer\/\">creating clearer, more protected spaces for people to cycle with confidence<\/a>\u201d, while other initiatives have included <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridge-news.co.uk\/news\/cambridge-news\/gallery\/work-begins-englands-first-cycle-32676063\">building England&#8217;s first-ever cycle street<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk\/news\/people\/new-plans-to-bring-back-crescent-bridge-cycle-lane-in-peterborough-5150163\">planning an ambitious new cycleway<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Although, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.suffolknews.co.uk\/bury-st-edmunds\/news\/controversial-plan-for-town-cycle-and-walking-route-axed-aft-9392938\/\">consultations for a new walking and cycling route in Bury St Edmunds were cancelled<\/a> after residents expressed dissatisfaction with plans to make a section of Barton Road one-way to accommodate a cycle path, so efforts may be needed to secure genuine community buy-in for crucial cycling infrastructure.<\/p>\n<h3>Kent<\/h3>\n<p>As a larger area, Kent has been allocated one of the highest funding allocations overall, a significant boost of \u00a312,271,296 compared to 2020-2025. But in recent years, <a href=\"https:\/\/theisleofthanetnews.com\/2022\/01\/18\/cycle-path-scheme-for-thanet-scrapped-with-county-council-needing-to-go-back-to-the-drawing-board\/\">plans for new walking and cycling schemes have been halted<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kentonline.co.uk\/herne-bay\/news\/someone-will-be-seriously-hurt-huge-cracks-in-dangerous-328607\/\">cycleways have not been maintained<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Will cycling be a bigger priority for councillors in the future? <a href=\"https:\/\/news.kent.gov.uk\/articles\/kent-secures-6-million-multi-year-active-travel-funding\">According to a press release<\/a>, funding may be used to improve cycling infrastructure and implement new cycle paths.<\/p>\n<h3>Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk\/news-hub\/news-articles\/funding-doubles-as-bournemouth-christchurch-and-poole-recognised-nationally-for-active-travel-improvements\">The council states that its efforts to deliver<\/a> high-quality active travel improvements has led to an increase in funding, taking the top spot on our rankings.<\/p>\n<p>But this hasn\u2019t meant plans have been reduced in recent years. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bournemouthecho.co.uk\/news\/23667166.cycle-lanes-bus-lanes-scrapped-bcp-council\/\">Due to a previous funding cut<\/a>, cycle and bus lanes were removed from active travel plans covering several roads in the area, reducing the original 78 kilometres of walking and cycling improvements. We hope that cycling is given a priority in future initiatives.<\/p>\n<h3>Gloucestershire<\/h3>\n<p>Another area near the top of our list, Gloucestershire has been focused on a major development: the Cycle Spine. This ambitious walking and cycling route aims to improve the quality and connectivity of cycling and walking facilities across the county.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not without its problems, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/articles\/cwy5vp3epewo\">including a lack of drainage<\/a>, which caused flooding on a stretch of the newly installed city centre section. But, with much of the route still under construction, it is likely to feature prominently in future plans and is certainly an exciting development!<\/p>\n<h2>The road ahead<\/h2>\n<p>At Paul\u2019s Cycles, we want cycling to be normal. Not niche. Not something you need a full Lycra kit, confidence or an adrenaline rush to do.<\/p>\n<p>We depend on local authorities to prioritise cycling in their plans for 2026 to 2030, learn from setbacks experienced by previous councils and commit to making safer, connected cycling networks for cyclists (and those keen to get cycling once they feel able to!).<\/p>\n<p>In the meantime, there are ways to explore cycling safely and stay informed about new developments.<\/p>\n<p>Discover <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paulscycles.co.uk\/blog\/what-stops-people-in-the-uk-from-cycling\/\">what prevents most people in the UK from cycling more often<\/a>, or explore our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paulscycles.co.uk\/blog\/the-best-car-free-adventures-in-the-uk\/\">the best car-free adventures<\/a> to get beyond the city roads while local infrastructure is still catching up.<\/p>\n<p>Looking to upgrade your ride? We offer a wide range of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paulscycles.co.uk\/bikes\/road-bikes\">road<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paulscycles.co.uk\/bikes\/electric-bikes\">electric<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paulscycles.co.uk\/bikes\/mountain-bikes\">mountain <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paulscycles.co.uk\/bikes\/road-bikes\/gravel-adventure-bikes\">gravel bikes<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Data collection<\/h3>\n<p>This research compares the total active travel funding allocations for each local authority in mainland England, examining total allocations for 2020 to 2025 against those for 2026 to 2030. London is not included because it has a separate transport governance structure. Allocations have been population-weighted, expressed per 1,000 residents.<\/p>\n<p>For example, Norfolk County Council has been allocated \u00a37,869,947 in active travel funding over 2026 to 2030, which is \u00a38,369 per 1,000 residents.<\/p>\n<p>Government funding decisions consider assessed local authority needs and quality ratings.<\/p>\n<p>Population totals were sourced from Office for National Statistics using the most recent data published at the time of research (mid-2024).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Active travel fund allocations were sourced from official government publications: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/capability-fund-local-transport-authority-allocations\/active-travel-capability-fund-local-transport-authority-allocations-2025\">Active Travel Capability Fund: Local transport authority allocations<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/emergency-active-travel-fund-local-transport-authority-allocations\/emergency-active-travel-fund-total-indicative-allocations\">Active Travel Fund: Final allocations (2020-2025)<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To allow for accurate comparisons, slight adjustments were made to account for governmental structural changes that occurred during the data collection period:<\/p>\n<p><ul><li>Northamptonshire is listed as a whole, totalling all local authorities<\/li><li>Cumbria is listed as a whole, totalling all local authorities<\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n\n<p>A<i>ll data is accurate as of February 2026.<\/i><\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Active travel in England: How cycling is being left behind Active travel funds are intended to improve walking, wheeling and cycling across England, yet vital cycling infrastructure is often the first to be sidelined or scrapped when budgets are strained and plans need condensing. And this isn\u2019t anything new; a 2020 investigation found one in<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":202,"featured_media":1196,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-1191","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-insights","8":"category-news"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-10-173326.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Adam Cross","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/author\/shirin\/"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/202"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1191"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1217,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1191\/revisions\/1217"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/paul\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}