PROJECTS encouraging active travel across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have received a £287,000 boost from government.

The new support grant awarded to BCP Council by Active Travel England (part of the Department for Transport) will be used to fund a number of initiatives across the conurbation aimed at helping residents change their modes of travel.

One such project is the design and planning of more secure cycle parking facilities across the region. As reported, Poole’s Dolphin shopping centre will soon house the area’s first secure public cycle hub following a £30,000 investment.

More funds from the latest £287,000 cash injection will also be used to continue the Active Travel in Schools work, which includes School Streets and the Bike It Plus projects.

Bournemouth Echo: Traffic in Somerville Road outside St Michael's Primary School before and after the temporary road closureTraffic in Somerville Road outside St Michael's Primary School before and after the temporary road closure

Both are aimed at improving the safety of school children while encouraging them to walk, cycle, or scoot to school.

In April last year, the Echo visited St Michael's Primary School in Bournemouth while its link road was closed to traffic as part of an experimental order.

Praise for the closure was almost unanimous from parents, while some concern was raised over build up of traffic in neighbouring roads for those parents unable to walk or cycle.

BCP Council says its travel team will soon start working on a large project to consider active transport modes alongside all other types of transport, incorporating its Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan into an overall transport plan for the area.

Bournemouth Echo: The cycle lane alongside Wimborne Road West in Wimborne. Picture: Corin Messer/BNPSThe cycle lane alongside Wimborne Road West in Wimborne. Picture: Corin Messer/BNPS

Cllr Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for sustainability and transport, said: “This award from central government is great news for the development of our active travel projects and will allow us to continue with the good work of encouraging more people to choose a sustainable form of travel.

“Leaving the car at home and walking or cycling instead is an easy way to get fitter, save money and reduce your carbon footprint. And fewer cars on the road means less congestion, which will mean quicker, easier journeys for those who still need or want to drive.”

Active Travel England’s objective is for 50 per cent of trips in England’s towns and cities to be walked, wheeled or cycled by 2030.