By KLTV Newsdesk – 

Grants of up to £50,000 available to support walking, wheeling and cycling projects across the region

Community organisations across West Yorkshire are being encouraged to apply for a new round of funding aimed at helping more people walk, wheel and cycle in their local areas.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has launched a grant programme offering up to £50,000 to support the development of walking, wheeling and cycling hubs, alongside smaller grants of up to £5,000 for community-led projects.

The funding is designed to tackle the fact that people in West Yorkshire currently walk and cycle less than the national average, despite active travel offering a healthier and more affordable way to travel during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Creating inclusive hubs for active travel

The grants will support the creation and expansion of welcoming, inclusive hubs that provide residents with practical support to travel actively.

Services can include guided walks, cycle training, bike repairs, route planning and travel advice, while also helping to strengthen community connections.

Since 2022, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, has invested more than £1.7 million in 33 active travel hubs across the region.

Existing projects include Seacroft Active Travel Hub in Leeds, Colne Valley Cycle Therapy in Slaithwaite and Walk Wheel Ride in Huddersfield.

Organisations can apply for:

• Grants of up to £50,000 to establish walking, wheeling and cycling hubs.
• Grants of up to £5,000 for smaller projects, such as group walks, cycle training sessions or equipment loans.

The initiative forms part of wider investment by the Combined Authority to improve walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, helping residents access employment, education, public services and leisure opportunities.

Mayor highlights benefits for residents

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Getting active helps people lead healthier, happier lives whilst also saving money.

“This funding will break down barriers to walking, wheeling and cycling, supporting more people to explore and enjoy everything our wonderful region has to offer.

“This is part of our mission to create a greener, better-connected West Yorkshire for everyone.”

Community hubs making a difference

One organisation already benefiting from support is Evergreen Active’s Community Active Travel Hub, which delivers group walking activities across Upton, Pontefract, South Elmsall and South Kirkby.

Andy Freeman, who has been leading walking groups for more than 10 years, said: “People are often a little nervous when they first come along, but it doesn’t take long before they begin building friendships, growing in confidence, and feeling part of something. We regularly see improvements in physical health, mental well-being, and social connections, with many people becoming more active than they ever thought possible.

“One of the most rewarding things is watching people arrive as strangers and leave as friends. Along the way, they discover new places, gain confidence to explore independently, and often experience the simple joy of finding a new snicket that leads to their favourite park.”

Cycling hubs helping people gain independence

Keighley Active Travel Services, operated by community cycling charity Capital of Cycling, opened in the Airedale Centre in 2024 with support from a Combined Authority grant.

David Robison, Director of Keighley Active Travel Services, said: “It’s genuinely powerful to see how much difference a bike can make to someone’s week. For some people it’s about confidence, for others it’s independence, and for many it’s simply having a way to get around that doesn’t cost money they don’t have.

“Working with local volunteers and groups across the town means the hub isn’t just a service — it’s part of the local fabric.

“One of the best parts is watching people who start out nervous then end up leading rides, helping others, or bringing family members along.”

Meanwhile, Mixenden Active Travel Hub in north Halifax launched in 2025 after receiving funding from the Combined Authority. The investment supported the purchase of new e-bikes and tools, expanded bike maintenance training and additional staffing.

Sam Lionheart, Active Travel Coordinator at Mixenden, said: “Whether it’s fixing a kid’s bike for free, that would otherwise be forgotten and their love for cycling lost, or connecting someone that needs transport with a reliable donated bike and the knowledge and confidence to ride it and maintain it themselves, it all gives freedom, connectivity and hope to people.”

Applications now open

Funding applications are open until 11.59pm on Wednesday 1 July, and can be applied for here.

To be eligible, organisations must demonstrate a commitment to developing walking, wheeling and cycling opportunities within their communities.

Grants of up to £50,000 are available to social enterprises, registered charities, community interest companies, local authorities and not-for-profit private limited companies registered in the UK.

Smaller grants of up to £5,000 are available to community groups and not-for-profit private limited companies registered in the UK.