West’s walking and cycling improvements highlighted

Over £70 million is currently being invested in walking, cycling, and wheeling improvements across the West. Together, the work will see over 47 miles of new and improved cycle routes, and almost as much new and improved pedestrian paths, as shown on a new interactive map, as well as 10 new school streets.

The West of England recently hosted further visits from Active Travel England (ATE) to see completed and in-progress projects being delivered in the region.

Graham Grant, Interim CEO of ATE, took a tour of projects in Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire with council transport officers and cabinet members. They were joined in South Gloucestershire by Lindsay Holloway, ATE Regional Manager South West. Using Dott’s e-bike scheme for part of their visit, they saw improved routes including Bath Quays Links, click to open in a new windowScholars’ Way, and Bradley Stoke Way as well as locations around Filton. 

These visits followed a visit last summer by Chris Boardman, the National Active Travel Commissioner, during which he praised the region’s progress on walking, wheeling, and cycling, and the contribution it makes to people’s health and the economy. 

In December, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s capability rating, which measures our ability to organise, plan, and deliver schemes increased from level 2 to level 3 – putting us on par with Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, and West Yorkshire, and helping to secure a further £11.7 million in government funding. The multi-year funding is part of a £626 million national package for walking, wheeling and cycling schemes, which was initially announced as part of the Spending Review in June 2025. 

Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said:  

“We were delighted to show Active Travel England all the progress we are making in improving sustainable travel options. The western section of Scholars’ Way in Bath is due to be completed in the spring, with several new crossings already benefiting local communities. 

“With further schemes under construction or due to begin soon, including Bath Quays Links and improvements in the historic city centre, we are continuing to build a safer, more connected network. 

“We are committed to making it easier for people to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport to reduce transport emissions and car dependency.” 

South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Local Place, Councillor Sean Rhodes said:  

“We are really pleased that Active Travel England has recognised the quality of the improvements we are making to support more sustainable ways of getting around. This means that we join 10 other Local Transport Authorities leading the way nationally with a capability rating of 3.  

“We know that the work taking place can sometimes be disruptive for people using our network, but the upgrades completed so far are already making a positive difference and are a significant investment in our local area. Once the full programme of work is finished, we hope it will inspire even more residents to choose greener, healthier travel options whenever they can.” 

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: 

“We were glad to welcome Active Travel England (ATE) to the West once again to see more of the progress we’re delivering together to get the region moving, however people get around. The combined authority and our local councils really appreciate ATE’s continued support, expertise, and partnership, underlined by these visits after Chris Boardman came down during the summer. 

“Active travel was a big part of our recent Transport Vision announcement, with a commitment to doubling our number of School Streets by 2028 – making pick-up and drop-off times safer for more families. Walking, wheeling, and cycling are good for our health and good for our planet, so I’m delighted that we’re working together to invest in more improvements across our region.” 

Graham Grant, Active Travel England Acting CEO, said:

“When more people can choose to travel actively for everyday journeys, it benefits their health, their local economy, and their communities.

“The West of England Combined Authority is delivering on its commitment to safe and accessible active travel routes for everyone, and that’s why we’ve upgraded their capability rating to a level 3.

“It’s fantastic to visit places like the West of England and see progress being made that really benefits people, places, and communities. We’ll keep working with local authorities across the country to build high-quality infrastructure that makes our towns, cities and villages healthier, greener places to live.”

Original press release by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority