New fund to increase walking, cycling and sustainable travel awards £1million worth of grants

Forty-five projects have received grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 from the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund since June last year, all with the aim of changing people’s everyday travel behaviour.

Awards have been made to public, community and third sector organisations who have come up with new ideas to encourage people to walk or cycle for everyday journeys or use public transport for longer trips.

The aim is to cut Scotland's carbon emissions, improve air quality, reverse the trend towards sedentary lifestyles and tackle health inequalities.

And the Open Fund, which is managed by Scotland’s walking charity Paths for All and supported by Transport Scotland, still has £1million available to get similar projects off the ground.
Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity said

I’m delighted that the Scottish Government has been able to support such a variety of organisations across the country through the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund. Responding to real demand from community, third sector and public agencies, the awards will help realise innovative ideas which will make our transport system cleaner, healthier and more sustainable through support from Paths for All.
By doubling the active travel budget, we can support exciting opportunities such as the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund.

"By providing funding and empowering local organisations to develop transport projects they wish to see, we can encourage modal shift, and ensure that more people can enjoy the benefits of active and sustainable travel than ever before."

From local authorities to universities, and community group to charities, organisations of all shapes and sizes have benefitted from the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund over the past few months.

Funding has been used for a range of projects including: developing a car club in Ayrshire; expanding an active travel programme in the Western Isles, creating artist-led walks in East Edinburgh; and raising awareness of active travel options for older people in Falkirk.

Grants have also been awarded to: develop a real-time bus app for older people in the Scottish Borders; promote the introduction of a new electric bus service in rural Morayshire; support sustainable travel options at Glasgow Caledonian University; and establish an in-school active travel culture at a Clackmannanshire secondary.

Ian Findlay, Chief Officer at Paths for All said: “Awarding £1million worth of grants that increase walking, cycling and sustainable travel opportunities across Scotland really is something to be celebrated.
“I’d like to congratulate the many organisations that have come forward with such creative ideas which aim to change people’s everyday travel behaviour and, in turn, improve the health of the nation.
“Creating opportunities for more people to walk and cycle for everyday short trips and choose sustainable options for longer journeys also helps reduce environmental impacts and inequalities and create safer, robust communities where people feel more connected to where they live.
“With £1million still available from this flexible fund, there’s potential to support many more projects which will help create a happier, healthier Scotland.
“I’d encourage any organisation - whether it’s public, community or third sector - to apply to the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund and take advantage of the help and support we can give.”

To apply for a grant, click here.