Communities to benefit from £100,000 of funding to boost walking, wheeling and cycling thanks to Mayor of West Yorkshire

Local organisations will be invited to apply for community grants from a pot of £100,000 from the Mayor’s community grants programme. Grants can be used for any scheme or project aimed at helping and encouraging people to incorporate more walking, cycling, wheeling or scooting into their daily lives, or to help people to start or continue cycling.  

Funding these projects is central to the Mayor’s mission to tackle the climate emergency. Helping people to build their skills, confidence, fitness, and social connections will empower West Yorkshire residents to use new cycle routes to their full potential, making low-carbon journeys easier and more enjoyable. 

Dozens of organisations across the region benefitted from funding last year – from bike loan projects to free training to help riders become more confident – with thousands taking part. 

Since 2017 the community grants programme has awarded 106 organisations across West Yorkshire a total of more than £530,000 to deliver grassroots initiatives aimed at supporting cycling or walking. 

The announcement follows investment in new cycling and walking routes, with the newly revamped Leeds Liverpool Canal towpath unveiled last month.

This new wave of grants will involve a competitive application process, with applications open from now until March 17. 

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “We’re kickstarting an active travel revolution in West Yorkshire.

“Through a mix of incredible new infrastructure and innovative projects to build skills and confidence, we’re making walking and cycling the natural choice for shorter journeys.

“If you and your organisation have got ideas for ways to help people get moving in your area, please help us make them a reality with you by applying for a community grant.”

 This is the sixth round of community grants funding delivered by the Combined Authority to support grass-roots organisations to deliver cycling and walking activities. Last year 48 groups received grants and around 2,600 people took part in grant-funded activities.

Previous projects have ranged from pool bike and bike loan schemes, led rides and walks for people who are socially isolated, free training to increase people’s confidence on two wheels, and route planning and waymarking around local areas.

The community grants scheme is funded through the Department for Transport’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured by the Combined Authority in August 2022.

For more details on the community grants programme, as well as how to apply or request support with applying, please visit the CityConnect website.

Local case studies

Bradford: In Bradford, a community group put on free adult cycle training that helped people make friends and build confidence - Read the full story

Calderdale: In Calderdale, a local community interest company Cargodale to train Todmorden residents and businesses how to use electric cargo bikes, a practical active travel option in the hilly town.

Kirklees: In Kirklees, a charity helped Fnan, a refugee from Eritrea, integrate into the community and support other refugees by giving him a bike - Read the full story

Leeds: In Leeds, a Beeston charity gave Clara, a local mum, a refurbished bike and free cycle training, which helped her get more active - Read the full story

Wakefield: In Wakefield, a walking group helped people in Ossett and Horbury feel less lonely after the pandemic - Read the full story