A coalition of cycling leaders and local authority representatives has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham calling for £30 million of Government investment to create safe, accessible places to ride across Britain and deliver a lasting legacy from the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs in 2027.
The open letter, signed by leaders from British Cycling, Grand Départ GB 2027, Scottish Cycling, Beicio Cymru, and representatives of key start and finish host locations for the Tour de France Grand Départs 2027, argues that targeted capital investment in cycling facilities would help improve public health, reduce inequalities and create stronger, more connected communities.
The call comes as Britain prepares to host the men’s and women’s Grand Départs in 2027, becoming the first nation outside France to host both events. More than 10 million people are expected to line the route of what will be the largest free-to-watch live sporting event ever staged in the UK.
Lee Gibbons, Interim Group Chief Executive of British Cycling, said:
“The Tour de France Grand Départs in 2027 represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to inspire millions of people and showcase Britain to the world.
We want to ensure the legacy extends far beyond the race itself. Investment in safe and accessible places to ride would help more people enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of cycling while creating healthier and more connected communities.
We have a pipeline of projects ready to deliver and the evidence is clear that investment in cycling facilities delivers significant returns for society, public health and local economies.”
Alongside the sporting spectacle, organisers are already delivering a wide-ranging social impact programme, including the recruitment of more than 9,000 volunteer JOY Makers, a schools engagement programme, support for young people through a Readiness to Work initiative and efforts to encourage more girls to become active through cycling.
The signatories argue that now is the moment to build on this momentum by investing in communities where demand for cycling opportunities is high, but provision remains limited.
The proposed £30 million investment would support the development of safe and accessible cycling facilities, helping people improve their health, build confidence on a bike, connect with others in their communities and access an affordable form of transport. It would also accelerate plans to ensure the benefits of the Tour de France Grand Départs are felt long after the race has left British roads.
The call builds on the success of the original Places to Ride programme. Backed by £15 million of Government funding between 2019 and 2024, the programme supported more than 150 projects across England, generating almost £268 million in social value and an estimated £32.9 million in NHS savings.
The programme also demonstrated its ability to reach underserved communities, with 83% of projects focused on children and young people, 41% targeting women and girls, 35% supporting people on lower incomes and 41% engaging disabled people or those living with long-term health conditions.
In Scotland, investment linked to the legacy of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has already supported 50 facilities, generating more than £48 million in social value and unlocking significant additional investment.
Signatories say a new programme would create a visible and meaningful legacy from the 2027 Grand Départs, particularly in communities that continue to face barriers to participation and active travel. They also believe Government backing could unlock significant match funding from local authorities and partners, accelerating delivery and maximising impact.
