A £3.19 million bid set to enhance facilities for cyclists and pedestrians across North Yorkshire has been given the go-ahead to be submitted.  

North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) has been invited to submit a bid in the fourth round of the Government's Active Travel Fund, following three rounds of funding over the last three years.

A total of £200 million is available to councils across England, which is part of the Government’s £2 billion commitment to invest in the provision of active travel and better streets for everyone.

NYCC has been allocated £1.08 million of funding, although it is invited to bid for an additional £2.16 million.  


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The priority scheme involves improvements to public spaces, pedestrian crossings and segregated cycleways on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate – in a bid to improve cycling connections to the town centre and transport hubs.

The second scheme aims to make improvements to Darlington Road, Richmond, including a segregated cycle route, the provision of a 20mph speed limit and improved pedestrian crossings.

The third scheme on the A59 Maple Close from Harrogate to Knaresborough involves placing segregated cycle lanes along an existing cycle route – and hopes to deliver improved crossing facilities to link existing cycle routes, Knaresborough town centre and the railway station.


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NYCC's executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “We want to enable more people in North Yorkshire to have the option of safely and conveniently walking, wheeling and riding.

Gazette & Herald: Cllr Keane DuncanCllr Keane Duncan (Image: Supplied)

“Our latest bid, worth more than £3m, is another significant milestone in our efforts to deliver a more balanced approach to travel in the county, which will reduce emissions, cut congestion and promote healthier lifestyles."

NYCC has been awarded £1.5m from Active Travel England since 2020 and an additional £54m of capital funding for landmark active travel improvements such as the Transforming Cities Fund and the Scarborough and Whitby Town Deals.


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The executive member for highways and transport approved the submission of a bid for £3.19 million today (February 21).