Though our partnership with Cycling UK I was lucky enough to be invited to a Parliamentary reception marking 10 years of The Big Bike Revival at the House of Commons last week. It was interesting to learn more about how our government plans to support cyclists and active travel.
As we reach the midpoint of 2025, the momentum behind active travel walking, cycling, and wheeling continues to grow, backed by increased public awareness, government investment, and a shift in priorities toward sustainable urban living. With environmental concerns, public health, and cost-of-living pressures at the forefront, active travel has become more than just a lifestyle choice; it’s now a strategic necessity. As a cyclist myself this was music to my ears. I thought it would be helpful for me to share some insight about what I learnt and how this could impact cyclists.
Government Investment: A Mixed Picture
In 2025, governments across the UK and globally have pledged renewed, though varied, commitments to active travel funding. The UK’s Department for Transport, despite fiscal pressures, has maintained support for active travel projects through its Active Travel England programme, albeit with tighter criteria and a sharper focus on deliverability and impact.
An estimated £200 million has been allocated in England alone for new cycle lanes, low-traffic neighbourhoods, school streets, and walking-friendly public realm improvements. While this figure represents a slight decline from the 2022–2023 peak investment years, the emphasis has shifted from volume to quality and integration; ensuring active travel infrastructure connects meaningfully with existing public transport and urban planning strategies.
Local Authorities Leading the Way
Many local councils are continuing to deliver ambitious active travel schemes, using a combination of central funding, developer contributions, and local levies. Cities like Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow are emerging as leaders, trialling mobility hubs, e-bike share schemes, and expanded school streets programs to encourage travel behaviour change, especially among younger generations.
In Scotland and Wales, devolved administrations have pushed forward with long-term active travel plans, such as Scotland’s vision for a 20% reduction in car kilometres by 2030. Funding for local authorities has increasingly been tied to clear outcomes around mode shift, air quality, and public health.
Health Benefits: More Than Just a Walk in the Park
The physical and mental health benefits of active travel are well-documented and in 2025, the data continues to strengthen the case.
- According to the NHS, one in six deaths in the UK is linked to physical inactivity.
- Regular walking or cycling reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, and certain cancers by up to 30–50%.
- Public Health England reports that people who commute actively are on average 45% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to car commuters.
Financial Savings to the NHS and the Economy
The economic case for active travel is just as compelling:
- Analysis by Sustrans and the Department for Transport suggests that every £1 invested in active travel generates £4–£5 in social return, factoring in health improvements, reduced pollution, and lower congestion.
- In 2024, it was estimated that physical inactivity cost the NHS over £1 billion annually. Shifting even a small proportion of journeys from car to foot or bike could save hundreds of millions in healthcare costs.
- Active travel also reduces absenteeism. A healthier workforce means fewer sick days — potentially saving UK businesses upwards of £500 million per year in lost productivity.
Employers and the Private Sector Getting Involved
Companies are increasingly recognising these benefits. Many are now:
- Offering Cycle to Work schemes and active travel allowances
- Providing on-site bike parking and showers
- Encouraging walking meetings and wellness initiatives
Retailers, particularly in town centres, also benefit. Studies show that people travelling on foot or by bike spend up to 40% more per month than those arriving by car, supporting local economies.
Challenges Ahead
Despite progress, barriers remain. Political pushback, short-term funding cycles, and public resistance to change continue to hamper some schemes. Accessibility for disabled users, equity in infrastructure delivery, and rural connectivity are also critical areas needing greater attention in 2025 and beyond.
Looking Forward
As climate deadlines loom and cities grapple with pollution, congestion, and inactivity, active travel is no longer a niche agenda. It is a central pillar of sustainable development. The spend in 2025 reflects a growing maturity in how governments, businesses, and communities understand the role of walking and cycling not just as transport options, but as tools to create more liveable, resilient, and equitable places.
The message is clear: investing in active travel is investing in public health, the economy, and the future of our communities.
So, as we look to the future of mobility, ask yourself:
What stops you from choosing cycling or walking as your first choice of travel? Is it habit, fear, infrastructure, or simply time?
Understanding these barriers is the next step in shaping solutions that work for everyone.
