UK's Paths for Everyone Programme Funds Over 80 Accessibility Projects
Over 80 projects across the UK have received funding for improvement under the Paths for Everyone programme. The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, the Network's custodian, aims to make paths available to all, including children, older people, adapted cycle users, wheelchair users, and horse-riders.
The Trust is working on specific schemes in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England. Notable projects include the Bowling Basin in Scotland and the Chelmsford to Writtle route in England. The Trust is also collaborating with organizations like Sustrans and local authorities in Wales to improve availability on the National Cycle Network.
The first completed scheme under the programme is a new protected foot and cycle pathway at Ledaig on the Caledonia Way. Over 180 barriers and pinch points have been or will be removed to ensure paths are available to all. The ultimate goal is to create a UK-wide network of traffic-free paths, connecting cities, towns, and countryside, benefiting communities and businesses across the UK.
Funding for these projects comes from various government departments and agencies across the UK. The Trust urges the next UK Government to commit sustained, meaningful investment to the Network, providing an emission-free, viable alternative to the car for everyday journeys.
