The Department for Transport has announced new funding to help local authorities make improvements to walking and cycling routes.

A new £200 million fund has been announced by the government to improve crossings and junctions to support walking and cycling, and therefore reduce emissions and boost local economies.

The investment is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and will be administered by Active Travel England.

Local authorities in England are invited to apply for funding to make improvements to enable people to choose active travel, which can help them save money and stay healthy. Schemes could include:

• Creating more paths in rural areas
• Developing safer routes for children to walk to school
• Improved safety at junctions for people walking and cycling.

Funding will also be used to make street designs more inclusive, supporting people in wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Eligible projects must be designed in consultation with residents and businesses to ensure schemes are safe and work for local communities.

Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said:

"Active travel is convenient, cheap, low carbon and health-giving. It’s a choice we need to make sure everyone has. Sometimes it only takes relatively small changes, such as crossings on school routes or convenient places to park a bike, to give us the option to walk, wheel or ride.

"Our job is to help local authorities across the country ensure that everyone has more attractive options for their daily trips and we are excited to help them deliver those options."

The successful projects will be announced later this year.

Contact Active Travel England for more information.