Pedal power is the name of the game as Metro Mayor Dan Norris announced he has secured £3.6 million of new funding from government to boost cycling, and walking, across the West of England.

The focus will be to encourage local people to travel by bike for those shorter everyday journeys.  

The Mayor wants to make it easier and more secure to park your bike which is why there will be new and upgraded facilities in the Old City, as well as a whole range of improvements for pedestrians – plus an additional 80 cycle hangars right across Bristol, Bath and NE Somerset, and South Glos, Mr Norris confirmed.

Meanwhile the cash will also be invested to improve cycle lanes – with plans to deliver new and improved cycle routes and tracks.

 Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “If we are going to cut the jams and reduce pollution, one tool in our arsenal has to be more cycling and walking. To be the natural choice, getting on a bike has to be a safe, pleasant and convenient experience. Cycling shouldn’t be the preserve of the lyrca-clad super fit, but for as many people as possible. 

“That means segregated cycle lanes, so people feel safe, and somewhere secure to lock up your bike - plus much, much more. Winning this cash is testament to the confidence in the plan we have here in the West of England to make walking and cycling the natural choice for shorter everyday journeys. This is another step along that path as we take the action necessary to try to reach our really ambitious West of England net-zero target.”

 This money builds on the £10 million-plus previously secured by Mayor Norris from ministers for walking, cycling and wheeling schemes in the West of England region.