OVER £900,000 has been given to Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to support the development of cycling in the county.
The Department for Transport gave just under £980,000 to the council from the Government’s Active Travel Fund.
The funding will be used to deliver two cycle routes which will fill gaps in local cycle networks.
A 1.5km off-road cycle route will be provided on the A47 Long Shoot in Nuneaton as part of a route between Nuneaton and Hinckley.
It will also fund the Rugby Gateway Brownsover Lane cycle route which will connect the growing community at Rugby Gateway in the north west of the town to the town’s existing cycle network.
The funding will also be used to support the Council’s Safe and Active Travel Project which promotes and delivers road safety and active travel activities.
The money provides a boost to the council’s plans to place cycling at the heart of its transport system by delivering a cohesive network of safe and convenient cycle routes.
WCC transport spokesman Coun Jeff Clarke said: “I am delighted that the council has secured this funding from the Active Travel Fund which will enable us to bring forward a further two important local cycling schemes and build on our ambitious and extensive programme of investment in cycling infrastructure.
“The council is committed to extending the reach and quality of our cycling network so that cycling can be the go-to travel choice, particularly for short urban journeys. This funding will help us accelerate our programme of cycle route development, capitalise on the growth in walking and cycling experienced during Covid-19 and support a green recovery from the impact of the pandemic.
“Investment in cycling will bring a wealth of benefits to our communities including reduced congestion, improved air quality and health benefits.”
Nick Abell, chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Warwickshire Cycle Links project was an important element of our submission to Government for funding from the Getting Building Fund.
“This package of cycling schemes will meet growing demand for cycling infrastructure and deliver new or improved routes as well as expand Warwickshire’s network to help cycling to be a viable and attractive choice for journeys.”
