Government publishes third cycling and walking investment strategy

Source: Department for Transport, Active Travel England, Department of Health and Social Care, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 12 June 2026

The government has announced that more than half of short journeys in towns and cities will be walked, wheeled or cycled by 2035 under new national targets announced by the Department for Transport.

The new cycling and walking investment strategy (CWIS3) sets a national target for people to hit the pavement or pedals for 55% of short trips in towns and for 60% of children aged 5 to 16 to travel actively to school by the same year.

The government is projected to invest over £4.5 billion in active travel over the next five years, and will work with Active Travel England and councils to deliver:

• 5,000 new walking, wheeling and cycling routes
• 10,000 safer crossings, connecting homes with schools, high streets and local services by 2030

Further information is available in third cycling and walking investment strategy report to Parliament 2026.