Oxfordshire County Council has secured £3,518,360 in funding from the Government Agency Active Travel England (ATE) to develop new cycle tracks, footpaths, and safer crossings across the county. This investment is part of a £38.4 million regional package allocated to councils across the South East to enhance walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure.
The funding forms part of the Government’s £291 million national strategy to support sustainable transport initiatives. The aim is to make it easier for residents to walk and cycle, reducing congestion, improving air quality, and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
How Does Oxfordshire’s Funding Compare to Other Councils?
Oxfordshire’s £3.5 million is one of the higher allocations in the South East. Here’s how it compares to other local authorities in the region:
Active Travel England Funding Allocation – South East
| Local Authority | Funding (£) |
|---|---|
| Kent County Council | 7,644,281 |
| Hampshire County Council | 6,809,787 |
| Surrey County Council | 5,838,425 |
| Oxfordshire County Council | 3,518,360 |
| Buckinghamshire Unitary Authority | 2,688,938 |
| West Sussex County Council | 2,325,895 |
| East Sussex County Council | 1,437,298 |
| Brighton & Hove Unitary Authority | 1,338,200 |
| Southampton Unitary Authority | 1,197,384 |
| Reading Unitary Authority | 838,609 |
| Wokingham Unitary Authority | 862,817 |
| Milton Keynes Unitary Authority | 757,383 |
| Medway Unitary Authority | 735,376 |
| Portsmouth Unitary Authority | 543,536 |
| Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead | 404,499 |
| West Berkshire Unitary Authority | 425,376 |
| Slough Unitary Authority | 415,978 |
| Bracknell Forest Unitary Authority | 328,953 |
| Isle of Wight Unitary Authority | 370,251 |
| Total for South East | £38,481,346 |
Kent, Hampshire, and Surrey councils received the highest allocations, but Oxfordshire still secured one of the largest shares of funding, reflecting its ongoing commitment to active travel initiatives.
Oxfordshire’s Track Record in Active Travel Investment
This £3.5 million award builds on Oxfordshire’s long-standing success in securing and using active travel grants. Previous allocations from Active Travel England include:
- Phase 1: £600,000
- Phase 2: £2.98 million
- Phase 3: £10.4 million
- Phase 4 (2023): £2.384 million
With the latest round of funding, Oxfordshire has now received over £19.8 million to improve walking and cycling infrastructure in recent years.
How Has Previous Funding Been Used?
Oxfordshire’s previous Active Travel England grants have delivered key infrastructure projects, including:
- Abingdon – Upgrading cycleways between Bridge Street and St Helen’s Wharf, closing a gap in National Cycle Network Route 5 in partnership with Sustrans.
- Witney – Improving the surface and lighting of the Oxford Hill to Madley Park path, a crucial east-west cycle and pedestrian route.
- School Streets Programme – Expanding traffic-free zones around schools to encourage safer walking and cycling for children.
- Secure Cycle Parking at Hospitals – Providing dedicated bike storage for NHS staff and visitors across Oxfordshire.
These improvements have helped reduce congestion, improve air quality, and promote healthier travel options for residents.
How Will the £3.5 Million Be Used?
While specific projects for this new funding are yet to be finalised, Oxfordshire County Council is expected to focus on:
- Developing high-quality cycle tracks linking key areas
- Enhancing footpaths and pedestrian infrastructure for safer walking
- Improving road junctions and crossings to protect cyclists and pedestrians
- Expanding School Streets schemes to encourage car-free school runs
The funding supports the Government’s target of enabling 30 million more walking and cycling journeys per year, reducing emissions and supporting public health.
A Step Towards a Greener, More Active Oxfordshire
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman welcomed the funding, stating:
“Making it simple and safe to walk, wheel or cycle to schools, shops and workplaces is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation’s health, economy and get to net zero, all in one.
“Free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic are benefits already being enjoyed as standard by our European neighbours and it’s time we had the same life-improving choices.
“This funding will help make our towns, cities and villages happier, healthier and greener places to live.”
Minister for Local Transport, Simon Lightwood, also reinforced the government’s commitment:
“Walking and cycling is an affordable way to get around and is hugely beneficial for both mental and physical health. We’re making sure local authorities can deliver high-quality and easily accessible schemes for everyone.
“Investing in our national cycling and walking infrastructure is a key part our mission for growth and today’s investment will not only provide better connectivity, but boost local businesses, grow local economies and ease pressure on the NHS, helping us deliver our Plan for Change..”
Key Takeaways
- Oxfordshire awarded £3.5 million to improve walking and cycling infrastructure
- Total Active Travel England funding to Oxfordshire now exceeds £19.8 million
- Previous projects include Abingdon cycleways, Witney footpaths, and School Streets Programme
- Plans for new cycle tracks, footpaths, and safer crossings are in development
- Part of a £291 million national funding package to boost active travel
With a strong track record in securing sustainable transport funding, Oxfordshire is set to further expand its network of cycle lanes and pedestrian-friendly routes, helping residents adopt healthier, safer, and greener travel options.
