Funding boost to help more Barnsley residents walk, wheel and cycle

People across Barnsley are set to benefit from a £468,000 funding boost over three years that will help more residents become active, improve their wellbeing and choose healthier ways to travel.

We have accepted £468,000 of funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to continue and develop a range of active travel programmes that support people to walk, wheel and cycle. The investment will support projects that encourage people of all ages to build more activity into their daily lives.

The funding will help sustain and expand initiatives including:

• Barnsley Bike Works, which helps residents access cycling through bike maintenance, repairs and practical support.

• Ramp Up, which gives children and young people the chance to try BMX riding and scooting using equipment provided at supervised sessions.

• School walking and cycling programmes, which encourage more children, families and staff to walk, cycle or wheel for everyday journeys.

• Wellbeing walks and themed children's walks, which support physical activity, wellbeing and community connection.

The investment builds on Barnsley's wider ambition to help more people move more, recognising the important role walking, wheeling and cycling can play in improving both physical and mental health. Our Active in Barnsley Physical Activity Strategy identifies walking and cycling as an important part of helping residents become more active and enjoy healthier lives.

Councillor David Goddard, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Transport, said:

"Being active looks different for everyone. For many people, small changes such as walking to school, cycling to work or taking part in a local wellbeing walk can make a real difference to their health, wellbeing and confidence.

"This investment allows us to continue delivering programmes that are already helping people across Barnsley become more active, while giving more residents the opportunity to discover simple, enjoyable ways to build movement into their everyday lives.

"As well as supporting healthier lifestyles, these projects help people access affordable travel options, reduce reliance on the car and make it easier to get around our borough in healthier and more sustainable ways."

The three-year funding package will support delivery across schools, workplaces and communities throughout the borough until March 2029. It forms part of South Yorkshire's wider programme to encourage walking, wheeling and cycling and comes at no additional cost to Barnsley Council.