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Council announces £25k community walking and cycling fund

The Community Walking and Cycling Fund will be a source of money for groups that want to help get people moving more

Credit: Waltham Forest Council

Waltham Forest has announced £25,000 of funding for community groups who can help get more people walking or cycling this year.

Now in its seventh year, the annual Community Walking and Cycling Fund will provide grants to community organisations who have ideas for projects helping people in the borough to get active, meet new people, discover more about active and sustainable modes of transport, and lead healthier lifestyles. 

Established in 2019, the fund has given grants to 57 community projects and helped over 4,000 residents to walk or cycle more in their local area.

The deadline for application submissions is 10th March, and applicants can apply for up to £2,500 to support their project. Applicants must complete their project between 28th April to 31st October 2025.

Last year, eight projects received grants, including Cycle Sisters, who help to make cycling more accessible for Muslim women and teen girls, and ran a ‘switch your journey’ project to encourage people to use cycling as part of their everyday transport.

One participant said: “Thanks to dedicated Ride Leaders there are regular weekly group sessions which I find really enjoyable and they are helping me build my road confidence.

“Rides are at different ability ranging from beginners to challenging. I started as a beginner and was able to go on challenging rides. In just a few weeks that was only possible because the Ride Leaders are very considerate and gave excellent support and encouragement. I highly recommend anyone who wants to start cycling to join the group.”

Council deputy leader Clyde Loakes said: “Over the last six years I’ve been blown away by the projects run by our community groups, and the real impact they have on peoples’ lives in Waltham Forest.

“There are people out there walking and cycling more, making new friends, and building stronger communities, thanks to the work of the community groups who have applied to the Community Walking and Cycling Fund. These projects help to break down barriers and ensure that everyone feels empowered to walk or cycle, for leisure and as a mode of transport. 

“When we started this fund, we couldn’t have imagined some of the directions it would take – whether that was helping people who have been through cardiac rehab to join together on weekly cycle rides, or multiple different groups across the borough leading guided walks each week. I’m looking forward to seeing the projects put forward for 2025.”

Find out more and apply for the fund here


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