TOWNS and villages across North Somerset could see a range of walking and cycling improvements thanks to new funding.

North Somerset Council has been awarded £441,440 to deliver a range of active travel projects – including high-quality walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure – for 2025-2026 by Active Travel England.

This is on top of the £258,000 the council said it has already spent on improving walking and cycling across north Somerset.

The active travel projects will provide greater choice of transport options and help people improve their health.

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Councillor Hannah Young, executive member for highways and transport at North Somerset Council said: “This funding allows the construction of improved links to schools and green spaces, new crossings over busy roads and road safety improvements to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier, safer and better across North Somerset.”

Money was previously used Active Travel funding to deliver Weston central liveable neighbourhood, Festival Way safety improvements and pedestrian waiting time reduction at traffic lights.

North Somerset Council was recently allocated £129,878 under Active Travel Fund 5 (ATF5) – another Active Travel England grant – which will be used to deliver further walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure across the region.

A spokesperson said: “The council also helps train children and young people to cycle safely.

“With Bikeability funding of £128K in place, the council aims to help over 3,000 children and young people across North Somerset gain confidence, skills and keep safe whilst cycling over the next year.

“Walking and cycling improvements nationally across the country will help people make 30 million more journeys by bike or foot every year.

“This will include more than 20million new walk-to-school journeys by children and their parents.”