Ministers in England have set an ambitious target for 60% of children aged five to 16 to be walking or cycling to school by 2035, as part of a new active travel strategy.

This initiative aims to encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce reliance on cars for school journeys, aligning with broader government goals for environmental sustainability and public health.

The plan includes a significant investment of £4.5 billion, promising thousands of safer routes and crossings to facilitate walking, wheeling, and cycling. The Department for Transport (DfT) stated that approximately 5,000 walking, wheeling, and cycling routes and 10,000 safer crossings are planned to be constructed by 2030. Additionally, £135 million will be allocated to programs focused on educating children on safe active travel and assisting schools in developing travel plans.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized that the strategy aims to make active travel a practical and safe choice for millions more journeys. Current data from 2023 indicates that 47% of children aged five to 16 usually walk or cycle to school, suggesting a substantial increase is needed to meet the 2035 target.

The strategy also extends to general urban travel, with a goal for at least half of all short trips in towns and cities to be made by foot, wheel, or cycle by 2035. This aims to reduce traffic congestion and promote physical activity among the wider population. The DfT projects that this increase in active travel for short trips could lead to 5.3 million more people being physically active in urban areas.

A national walking and cycling network is also planned, intended to be integrated into route mapping applications within five years. This network will feature consistent signage and online availability, aiming to provide a reliable and accessible infrastructure for active travelers across the country.

Stakeholders in the active travel sector have largely welcomed the proposals. The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust praised the "ambitious new schools target" for its inclusivity of secondary school pupils and explicit recognition of cycling. The Cycle to Work Alliance noted the importance of "safe infrastructure and affordable access" in driving behavioral change, viewing the strategy as a positive step towards achieving these necessities.

Despite the positive reception, the success of these plans will depend on effective implementation and sustained investment. Unresolved questions may include the specific methodologies for monitoring progress towards the 60% target and the detailed plans for ensuring equitable access to safe routes across all regions of England.