Grants for Walking, Wheeling and Cycling in West Yorkshire (UK)

Deadline: 01-Jul-2026

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority Active Travel grant programme funds community organisations to increase walking, wheeling, and cycling across West Yorkshire. It supports inclusive, community-led projects that improve health, reduce emissions, and increase access to active travel. Grants range from £5,000 for small community projects to £50,000 for Active Travel Hubs.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has launched a funding programme to support community organisations that encourage active travel, including:

• Walking
• Wheeling (inclusive mobility, including wheelchairs and mobility aids)
• Cycling

The programme supports community-led initiatives that make active travel a practical and accessible choice for everyday short journeys.

Key Objectives

Inclusive Growth

• Improve access to active travel for all communities
• Reduce transport inequality
• Support participation in local mobility opportunities

Health and Wellbeing

• Increase physical activity
• Improve mental and social wellbeing
• Encourage healthier travel habits

Economic Productivity

• Improve access to jobs and services
• Support local community engagement
• Strengthen local mobility systems

Climate Action

• Reduce carbon emissions from transport
• Encourage low-carbon travel behaviour
• Support environmental sustainability

Funding Streams

Community Grants

• Up to £5,000
• For small-scale grassroots projects
• Focus on local, community-driven activities

Active Travel Hub Grants

• Up to £50,000
• For larger, structured active travel initiatives
• Supports hub-based or coordinated community delivery

Application Timeline

• Applications open: June 2026

Eligible Applicants

Eligible organisations include:

• Social enterprises
• Registered charities
• Community interest companies (CICs)
• Private limited companies with not-for-profit status

Registration Requirement

• Must be registered or constituted in the UK
• Activities must take place within West Yorkshire

Mandatory Organisational Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A bank account requiring at least two signatories for transactions
• Appropriate insurance for all planned activities
• A safeguarding policy in place

Eligible Activities

Active Travel Promotion

• Organised walking groups
• Cycling events and training sessions
• Inclusive mobility support programmes

Skills and Capacity Building

• Volunteer training
• Cycling or walking leadership training
• Community engagement workshops

Equipment and Resources

• Bike repair sessions
• Purchase of bike parts and tools
• Provision of new or refurbished bicycles
• Storage facilities for equipment

Operational Costs

• Transport costs for project delivery
• Temporary staffing costs
• Training expenses

Target Groups

The programme prioritises projects supporting people facing barriers to active travel, including:

• Disabled people
• Low-income communities
• Under-represented or marginalised groups

Project Delivery Requirements

• Community Grants projects must be completed within 12 months
• Funding must be fully spent within the same 12-month period

Why This Programme Matters

• Encourages healthier lifestyles through physical activity
• Reduces transport-related carbon emissions
• Improves accessibility and mobility for underserved groups
• Strengthens community cohesion and participation
• Supports local climate and sustainability goals

How It Works

Step 1: Identify Community Need

• Focus on barriers to walking, wheeling, or cycling
• Define target community group
• Select activity type (training, events, equipment, hubs)

Step 2: Choose Grant Type

• Community Grant (up to £5,000)
• Active Travel Hub Grant (up to £50,000)

Step 3: Check Eligibility

• Confirm UK registration status
• Ensure project takes place in West Yorkshire
• Verify required governance and safeguarding policies

Step 4: Prepare Application

• Project description and objectives
• Community impact and inclusion strategy
• Budget breakdown of eligible costs
• Delivery timeline (max 12 months for Community Grants)

Step 5: Submit Application

• Applications open June 2026
• Submit through West Yorkshire Combined Authority process

Step 6: Delivery and Reporting

• Deliver project within approved timeframe
• Spend funding according to approved budget
• Provide reporting and outcomes evidence

Common Mistakes

• Missing safeguarding policy requirements
• No proper financial governance (dual signatory account)
• Weak inclusion strategy for target groups
• Unclear delivery plan within 12-month limit
• Applying without West Yorkshire delivery focus

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define barriers to active travel
• Focus on inclusion and accessibility
• Show measurable health or environmental outcomes
• Include practical delivery plans (routes, hubs, sessions)
• Demonstrate community partnerships and engagement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this funding programme for?

• Supports community projects that promote active travel
  • Walking
  • Wheeling
  • Cycling
• Aims to improve health, inclusion, and sustainability

How much funding is available?

• Two grant levels:
  • Community Grants: up to £5,000
  • Active Travel Hub Grants: up to £50,000

Who can apply?

• Eligible organisations include:
  • Charities
  • Social enterprises
  • Community Interest Companies (CICs)
  • Not-for-profit private limited companies
• Must be UK-registered and operate in West Yorkshire

What activities can be funded?

• Active travel events
  • Walking groups
  • Cycling sessions
• Skills development
  • Volunteer training
  • Cycling education
• Equipment and resources
  • Bikes and parts
  • Repair workshops
• Operational costs
  • Staffing and transport
  • Storage and logistics

Who is the programme for?

• Priority groups include:
  • Disabled people
    • Support for accessible mobility
  • Low-income communities
    • Reducing transport barriers
  • Under-represented groups
    • Increasing participation in active travel

What are the key requirements?

• Must have:
  • Dual-signatory bank account
    • Ensures financial accountability
  • Safeguarding policy
    • Protects participants and communities
  • Appropriate insurance
    • Covers all planned activities

What is the project timeline?

• Community Grant projects:
  • Must be completed within 12 months
  • All funds must be spent within this period

Conclusion

The West Yorkshire Active Travel Community Grants Programme supports inclusive, community-led initiatives that promote walking, wheeling, and cycling. With funding up to £50,000, it helps organisations improve health, reduce emissions, and make active travel accessible to all communities across West Yorkshire.

For more information, visit West Yorkshire Combined Authority.