TfL awards funding to new community groups to boost active travel among under-represented Londoners

Credit: Transport for London

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that along with the London Marathon Charitable Trust it has awarded more than £416,000 of funding to 87 new projects run by community and not-for-profit groups, as part of the transformative London Walking and Cycling Grants programme.

The funding is the highest ever awarded through the programme, with a record number of groups set to benefit. This investment will make a real difference to communities across the capital, allowing organisations to deliver projects and programmes so that more people can enjoy the benefits of active travel. More than £118,000 has also been awarded for 60 existing projects to continue their work in the community.  

Walking and Cycling Grants London aims to encourage more people to walk and cycle, addressing the barriers that prevent people from getting active and helping to make London a more sustainable, inclusive and healthy city. All projects give participants the chance to connect with their local communities, learn new skills, get active and improve their physical and mental health. 

The successful projects target a wide range of traditionally under-represented groups, such as people with disabilities, from minority ethnic backgrounds, homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers, enabling them to feel confident while walking and cycling in London. Funding has been awarded to schemes covering 31 boroughs and the City of London.

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Environmental and community charity, Groundwork London, who works with communities across the capital to transform their lives and the places they live in, are working with TfL and the London Marathon Charitable Trust to deliver the grants.  

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “We’ve seen a huge rise in walking and cycling in recent years as more and more Londoners choose sustainable ways to travel around the capital. The grants awarded by TfL to community groups across London will help support people from all backgrounds to walk and cycle – which is a vital part of building a better, greener London for everyone.”  

Miranda Leedham, Head of Customer Marketing & Behaviour Change at TfL, said: “We are committed to ensuring that walking and cycling is accessible for all and want everyone in London to experience the benefits of walking and cycling, from keeping fit to improving their wellbeing. Walking and Cycling Grants London has played a vital role in increasing representation and we’re looking forward to seeing the results of these inspirational projects, which are bound to encourage even more Londoners from diverse backgrounds to travel more actively around the capital.”