New funding for walking, wheeling and cycling activities in West Yorkshire

Communities across West Yorkshire can apply for grants of up to £50,000 to help more people walk, wheel and cycle around the region.

People in West Yorkshire currently walk and cycle less than the national average despite it providing a healthy and more affordable way to get around during the cost-of-living crisis.
 
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is providing new grants to support the creation of walking, wheeling and cycling hubs — welcoming, inclusive ‘one-stop shops’ where residents can access the support they need to get around actively.
 
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has invested more than £1.7 million in 33 of these hubs since 2022 – and is encouraging community groups to apply for the latest funding round.
 
The hubs offer a range of services such as led walks, bike repairs and training, route planning and practical advice, while also bringing communities together and helping people build new connections.

Organisations can apply for:

• Grants of up to £50,000 to establish walking, wheeling and cycling hubs
• Grants of up to £5,000 for smaller projects, for example group walks, cycle training sessions or equipment loans.

The scheme helps to give people the support they need to choose cycling, walking or wheeling for short journeys.

The funding builds on wider investment by the Combined Authority to enhance walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, supporting better access to jobs, education, public services and leisure opportunities - improving quality of life across the region.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Getting active helps people lead healthier, happier lives whilst also saving money.
 
“This funding will break down barriers to walking, wheeling and cycling, supporting more people to explore and enjoy everything our wonderful region has to offer.
 
“This is part of our mission to create a greener, better-connected West Yorkshire for everyone.”

Evergreen Active’s Community Active Travel Hub, supported by the Combined Authority, offers group walking activities across the Upton, Pontefract, South Elmsall, South Kirkby areas.

Andy Freeman, who has been leading walking groups for more than 10 years, said:

“People are often a little nervous when they first come along, but it doesn’t take long before they begin building friendships, growing in confidence, and feeling part of something. We regularly see improvements in physical health, mental well-being, and social connections, with many people becoming more active than they ever thought possible.

“One of the most rewarding things is watching people arrive as strangers and leave as friends. Along the way, they discover new places, gain confidence to explore independently, and often experience the simple joy of finding a new snicket that leads to their favourite park.”

Keighley Active Travel Services, part of community cycling charity Capital of Cycling, was set up in 2024 in a shop in the Airedale Centre thanks to a grant from the Combined Authority.

David Robison, Director of Keighley Active Travel Services, said:

"It’s genuinely powerful to see how much difference a bike can make to someone’s week. For some people it’s about confidence, for others it’s independence, and for many it’s simply having a way to get around that doesn’t cost money they don’t have.
 
“Working with local volunteers and groups across the town means the hub isn’t just a service — it’s part of the local fabric.
 
“One of the best parts is watching people who start out nervous then end up leading rides, helping others, or bringing family members along.”

Mixenden Active Travel Hub, based across two sites in North Halifax, launched in 2025 after receiving a Combined Authority grant. It paid for new e-bikes and tools, extra bike maintenance training and staffing.

Sam Lionheart, Active Travel Coordinator at Mixenden, said: 

"Whether it's fixing a kid’s bike for free, that would otherwise be forgotten and their love for cycling lost, or connecting someone that needs transport with a reliable donated bike and the knowledge and confidence to ride it and maintain it themselves, it all gives freedom, connectivity and hope to people.”

Funding applications are open until 11:59pm on Wednesday 1st July.

Bids of up to £50,000 are available to social enterprises, registered charities, community interest companies, local authorities and private limited companies with not-for-profit status registered in the UK. Bids of up to £5000 are available to smaller community groups and private limited companies with not-for-profit status registered in the UK. Apply here.