£21m Boosts National Cycle Network for Millions of Users
A £21m investment will significantly improve the 16,575-mile National Cycle Network. The upgrade aims to make walking and cycling easier and more accessible, benefiting millions of users and communities across England. The project includes refurbishing and extending paths, improving crossings, and connecting routes. This follows a £2m government investment in 20XX for broader bicycle and pedestrian initiatives.
The improvements will fund dozens of activation projects. These include refurbishing Cinder Track North in Whitby, converting an on-road section between Dewsbury and Huddersfield, connecting paths in Lincoln, re-routing in Longbridge, creating a new quiet-way route between Luton and Dunstable, improving a road crossing in Bristol, and extending paths connecting Thatcham and Newbury. These upgrades aim to make cycling and walking more enjoyable and safer.
The health benefits of walking and cycling on the Network are substantial. In 2017 alone, it prevented 630 early deaths and averted nearly 8,000 serious long-term health conditions. The Department for Transport has also allocated £2m for broader cycling and walking initiatives, such as the Living Streets Walk to School programme and Cycling UK's Big Bike Revival. These initiatives aim to encourage more people to cycle and walk regularly.
The £21m investment will enhance significant stretches of the National Cycle Network, benefiting over 4.4 million annual users. The upgrades aim to make cycling and walking more accessible, improving health, access to green spaces, and promoting sustainable movement in villages, towns, and cities. The project aligns with the UK's plans to make transport cleaner, greener, and more productive.
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