Local authorities across England can now bid for a share of a new £200m government fund to help drive active travel.

The funding will improve crossings and junctions to increase safety, in consultation with local residents and businesses

The funding will be used to improve walking, wheeling and cycling routes, increasing safety and in consultation with local residents and businesses. Examples include creating more paths in rural areas, developing safer routes for children to walk to school and improving safety at junctions for people walking and cycling.

Funding will also be used to support people in wheelchairs and mobility scooters by making street designs more inclusive.

The funding is being managed by Active Travel England and is expected to grow the economy by improving transport links, boosting access to high streets and creating skilled jobs; walking and cycling charity Sustrans has estimated that active travel generated £36.5bn for the economy in 2021.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “This £200m investment for hundreds of upgraded routes and paths across the country will help to reduce emissions, boost local economies and create jobs.

“These new schemes will make it safer for children to walk to school and will better connect rural communities, helping more people choose active travel as an affordable and healthy way to get around.”

Previous funding rounds saw a new cycle lane built in Coventry which generated 10,000 trips in its first month, as well as a new walking and cycling route in Manchester, where pedestrians and cyclists are separated from traffic.

The successful projects will be announced later this year. Local authorities looking to apply can also access guidance on developing successful active travel schemes.