Preston's Activation of Active Travel Project

Preston City Council 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; Supporting Cycle Commuting, Accessible cycling events and widening participation in walking.

The application process is now open, closing on Monday 18 November. Details on each of the three active travel projects for which the council are seeking to appoint delivery partners.

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.

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. 

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.

More details on each of the three projects and the application process can be viewed on the Preston's Activation of Active Travel project page.  

The timeline for these programmes

The timeline for this project is:

• Deadline for receipt of applications - 18 November 2024 at 17:00
• Notification of application outcomes - W/C 2 December 2024 
• Issuing of grant agreements - W/C 16 December 2024 
• Project delivery commences - 5 February 2025 
• Project delivery ends - 6 February 2026 
• Final project report - By 28 February 2026 

Additional Information

Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.