Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Gov.UK Housing. Read the original article for full details.

£4.5 Billion Investment Announced for 5,000 New Walking and Cycling Routes

The UK government has announced a projected £4.5 billion investment over the next five years to deliver 5,000 new walking, wheeling and cycling routes and 10,000 safer crossings. The strategy aims to connect homes with schools, high streets, and local services, with a target for more than half of short journeys in towns and cities to be walked or cycled by 2035.

The Department for Transport, working with Active Travel England and local authorities, will oversee the delivery of these new routes and crossings by 2030. The initiative is part of a wider national strategy to encourage active travel, including walking, wheeling, and cycling, for everyday journeys and commutes.

The government’s targets include 55% of short trips in towns to be made by walking or cycling by 2035, and for 60% of children aged 5 to 16 to travel actively to school by the same year. The investment is also intended to encourage walking or cycling to public transport hubs, such as train stations.

According to the published strategy, the new routes and crossings are expected to help households save money, improve public health, cut carbon emissions, reduce congestion, and support local economies. The plan is published alongside Active Travel England’s Worth Every Step delivery plan.

Letting agents and inventory clerks may see increased demand for properties with easy access to these new routes and crossings, as connectivity to local amenities and transport links is a key consideration for many tenants.