Preston's Activation of Active Travel project

We are seeking proposals from potential partners to deliver high-quality active travel programmes in Preston.

These programmes are:

• Supporting cycle commuting
• Accessible cycling events
• Widening participation in walking

About the Activation of Active Travel Commissioning Fund

Preston City Council has £30,000 of funding to invest in active travel from Lancashire County Council's Activation of Active Travel Fund. This fund aims to put in place soft measures to support and encourage residents to change their behaviour and use existing active travel infrastructure.  

The funding has been divided into three projects, tailored to the needs of Preston.

Please find information below on each of the three active travel projects for which we are seeking to appoint delivery partners.

Please ensure that you read the relevant documentation thoroughly before completing and submitting your application.

Project specifications

Supporting cycle commuting

This project aims to enable residents to use cycling as a mode of transport for shorter journeys such as travelling to work or the shops.

The project will target underrepresented or vulnerable groups in the city and will support them to develop the confidence and skills needed to commute by bike and assist with route planning and testing.

View the supporting cycle commuting project specification

Accessible cycling events

This project aims to increase the accessibility of cycling for those with a disability or long-term health condition.  

The project will involve the organisation and hosting of a range of free of charge, accessible rides using existing cycling infrastructure in Preston. These events should take place in different areas of the city to allow all residents to take part. Adapted cycles and safety equipment should be available free of charge as part of these rides so that anyone can attend. 

View the accessible cycling events project specification

Widening participation in walking

This project aims to increase the uptake of walking for underrepresented groups in the city such as ethnic minority groups or those with a physical and/or mental health condition.

The project will train a network of walk leaders who will then lead walks on a voluntary basis for residents, who can take part free of charge. These walks will explore different areas of the city, this will help residents to discover local amenities and build their confidence to go out on walks in these areas on their own or with friends/family in the future.

View the widening participation in walking project specification

How to apply

To apply for the Activation of Active Travel Commissioning Funds please complete our online form.

Apply for the Activation of Active Travel Commissioning Fund

If you wish to apply for more than one of the grants, a separate application form will need to be completed for each project.

Please note that there is no 'save' function on the online application form, so this needs to be completed and submitted in one go.

We recommend that applicants download the PDF version of the application form. (PDF) [187KB]  and formulate their responses before completing the online form.

The timeline for these programmes

• Deadline for receipt of applications - 18 November 2024 at 5pm
• Notification of application outcomes - week commencing 2 December 2024 
• Issuing of grant agreements - week commencing 16 December 2024 
• Project delivery commences - 5 February 2025 
• Project delivery ends - 6 February 2026 
• Final project report - By 28 February 2026 

If you have any questions about the application and scoring process, please email CWBinfo@preston.gov.uk.