As the Chancellor prepares the Autumn Budget, Cycling UK is urging the government to protect and enhance funding for cycling infrastructure and active travel schemes.

At a time of significant financial pressure, the charity is keen to remind Treasury that cycling delivers exceptional returns on investment, reaching everything from public health to the economy and household budgets.

At a time when every pound of public spending must work harder, cycling delivers. Cycling infrastructure is one of the most cost-effective investments a government can make in terms of easing pressure on household finances, boosting the economy and improving public health.

“The choice before the Chancellor is clear: invest now to generate economic growth or cut funding in walking, wheeling and cycling and face higher costs in health spending. In a cost-of-living crisis, making it easier for people to get around cheaply by bike has never been more important. We stand ready to work with the government to ensure cycling investment delivers maximum value for communities across the UK – Sarah McMonagle, Director of External Affairs at Cycling UK

Why Cycling UK is calling on Government to protect infrastructure

Economic returns

Research has shown that for every £1 spent on cycling and walking schemes, £5.62 worth of wider benefits are returned, with some interventions achieving returns significantly higher. This represents exceptional value for public money, far exceeding all other transport investments.

Cycling has been proven to support local economies, with protected cycle lanes increasing footfall on high streets, leading to higher retail spending. Active travel connections also improve access to employment, education and services, particularly for lower-income households, as 1 in 5 UK households don’t have access to a car.

With most major infrastructure schemes delivered late, over-budget, scaled back, or abandoned altogether, active travel infrastructure offers an opportunity that more quickly and directly improves the lives of local people.

Health and NHS savings

Physical inactivity costs the NHS approximately £1 billion annually. Regular cycling not only reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression, but also certain cancers. Increasing cycling levels across the population could save the health service hundreds of millions of pounds whilst improving quality of life for millions.

Air pollution from road transport also contributes to 40,000 premature deaths annually in the UK. Shifting short car journeys to cycling would significantly improve air quality, particularly in urban areas where pollution disproportionately affects children and vulnerable groups.

Climate commitments

Transport accounts for the largest share of UK carbon emissions. With 59% of car journeys under five miles, there is enormous potential to replace short car trips with cycling. Meeting our legally binding net zero targets requires a fundamental shift in how people travel for everyday journeys.

Cycling infrastructure is a climate solution that can be delivered quickly and cost-effectively compared to other decarbonisation measures. The alternative—continued car dependency—locks in emissions for decades and contradicts our climate obligations.

Social equity

Cycling offers affordable, accessible mobility for those who don’t own a car or cannot drive. Safe cycling infrastructure provides these households with independence and access to opportunities.

Women, older people, and families are far more likely to cycle when safe, segregated infrastructure exists. Without continued investment, we risk entrenching transport inequality and limiting the freedom to travel for millions.

Building on momentum

Recent years have seen genuine progress, with more local authorities delivering high-quality cycle lanes and school streets. This momentum must not be lost. Stopping funding now would waste the planning work already undertaken and undermine confidence in active travel as a policy priority.

Cycling UK is calling on the Chancellor to: 

  1. Maintain dedicated funding for cycling and active travel at current levels as a minimum, ideally moving towards 10% of the transport budget being invested in active travel
  2. Provide multi-year funding settlements to enable proper planning and delivery of schemes
  3. Support local authorities with technical expertise and guidance to deliver high-quality infrastructure
  4. Recognise active travel as essential infrastructure, not optional spending