Applications are now being accepted by Transport for London for grants aimed at promoting walking and cycling.
The Walking and Cycling Grants London programme provides up to £10,000 to community and voluntary groups for projects spanning three years.
Since its launch in 2015, this scheme – financed by TfL and the London Marathon Foundation and administered by Groundwork London – has helped more than 100,000 people in the capital.
Community-driven activities assist individuals in surmounting obstacles to active travel.
The programme seeks to build self-assurance, foster improved wellbeing, and support environmentally friendly transport options.
Examples of backed initiatives comprise cycling sessions for disabled young people, maintenance workshops, and pedestrian schemes addressing loneliness and mental wellbeing.
Over 500 schemes have received funding across all 32 boroughs plus the City of London.
In the previous year alone, 185 projects were supported, including ventures by London Cycling Campaign, Your Bike Project, and The Change Foundation.
Grassroots groups such as Urban Flyers C.I.C., Intergenerational Music Making, and CarryMe Bikes C.I.C. also benefited.
Frames of Mind (Image: Tfl)
Organisations are additionally being urged by TfL to consider Community Ideas Grants.
These awards provide sums up to £5,000 to help groups replicate effective schemes already proven elsewhere in the capital.
Applicants can browse tested project concepts through the Community Ideas Hub and submit proposals to introduce them locally.
Submissions for both award types can be made at wcgl.london until September 28.
Thorough guidance will be available throughout the application process, and successful applicants will receive ongoing support during implementation.
TfL’s work to ensure active travel remains available to all road users encompasses the TfL Go application, featuring current mapping for pedestrians and cyclists, plus Cycle Sundays, which offers guided rides for beginners or those returning to cycling.
The expanding Cycleway network, now extending 450 kilometres, also forms part of this effort, making cycling safer and simpler throughout the city.
London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, voiced his endorsement for the grants initiative.
He stated that the Mayor and himself are dedicated to establishing a capital where walking and cycling represent accessible, inclusive and pleasant choices for all.
He added that he was pleased TfL’s grants programme continues assisting community groups in removing obstacles to active travel.
These schemes are already creating remarkable effects in communities throughout the city but the aim is for additional Londoners to benefit.
The Mayor and himself encourage community and not-for-profit organisations across the capital to apply, as the grants can help bring their concepts to reality while working collectively to construct a superior, greener and fairer London for everyone.
Mike Diaper, group funding and impact director at the London Marathon Foundation, called on community groups with concepts to enhance accessibility and inclusivity of walking and cycling to seek funding.
He stated that collectively, thousands more people across the capital can become more physically active while improving their health and wellbeing.
Ben Coles, director of development and strategic programmes at Groundwork London, said the grant extends beyond community involvement, offering solutions for improved health, inclusion, skills and opportunity.
He stated that they were excited to partner with the next group of recipients, supporting additional people across the capital to better their lives and neighbourhoods through walking and cycling.
Ros Daniels, director of London and South East at Canal and River Trust, pointed to the achievements of the community walking initiative along the Grand Union Canal, backed by the WCGL.
More than 85 individuals have taken part in over 30 walks organised by trained local volunteers.
Zoe Flynn, lead artist at Frames of Mind, welcomed the WCGL funding for allowing expansion of the People Need People community, where 51 older people have participated in 12 social walks, discovering new local areas and forming fresh friendships.