Former Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman visited North Yorkshire last week to meet with York an North Yorkshire’s Mayor, David Skaith and North Yorkshire Sport CEO, David Watson to highlight the importance of active travel across the region.
Chair of Sport England, Chris Boardman’s visit reinforced the growing national and local commitment to making walking, wheeling and cycling safer, easier and more accessible for everyone.
The £1 million Mayor’s Active Travel Fund is currently open for applications, and is supporting grassroots projects across communities.
As the region’s Active Partnership, North Yorkshire Sport, is delivering the fund locally. As a strategic partner of Sport England, North Yorkshire Sport works to reduce inequalities and increase physical activity, aligning with the national ‘Uniting the Movement’ strategy.
Speaking during the visit, Chris Boardman highlighted the importance of long-term investment and local action in creating healthier, more connected places. Mayor David Skaith also emphasised the role active travel plays in improving everyday journeys, particularly for safer school travel and stronger communities.
The Active Travel Fund is already generating strong interest, with projects ranging from improved walking routes and accessibility upgrades to behaviour change initiatives such as bike buses and school streets.
David Watson, Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Sport, said the fund represents a significant opportunity to support community-led change and help more people build active travel into their daily lives.
Organisations have until 10 April to apply, with funding available to help turn local ideas into lasting impact.
