Investing in active travel
Our designated users and communities fund has helped improve the safety of walkers and cyclists in the South West.
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Across the country we work closely with the communities alongside our roads on measures to:
- improve the environment
- reduce pollution
- promote active travel
One example is the £11.3 million investment, from our designated users and communities fund, to improve facilities for walkers and cyclists in the South West.
Opened in Summer 2023, the Saints Trails initiative is one of the largest-ever cycling infrastructure investments in the region.
Cyclists, walkers and horse riders can enjoy the three miles of safer travel through the Cornish countryside, including the former Perranporth to Chacewater railway line.
The funding will also provide a new cycleway between Sevenmilestone and Chiverton. This will link up with a European Structural and Investment funded section from St Agnes.
As part of that project, Cornwall Council is also delivering a new trail from West Langarth to Threemilestone, including a new bridge over the A30 at Chiverton.
Other South West projects we've funded have include £6.2 million to Gloucestershire County Council towards their ongoing cycleway projects.
We've also provided £1.2 million of funding for North Somerset Council:
- for the pier to pier project for a cycle path between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon
- to complete the final part of the cycle route between Brean and Portishead
Our Designated Funds
We manage four Designated Funds, allocated by the Government, to deliver benefits above and beyond building and operating our road network.
From 2020 to 2025, we’ll be investing £936 million in Designated Funds to make a positive difference for people.
The four funding areas are:
- Safety and congestion
- Environment and wellbeing
- Users and communities
- Innovation and modernisation
Find our more about our Designated Funds.
