NEW funding is being made available for schemes that encourage people to walk or cycle.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is offering grants of up to £5,000 to not-for-profit community organisations.

The money can be used for any project that supports people to incorporate walking or cycling into their everyday lives.

Grants are being awarded through the combined authority’s CityConnect programme, which since 2018 has helped more than 30 organisations with funding totalling over £225,000.

Previous initiatives have ranged from bike pools to free cycle training and led rides and walks for people who are socially isolated.

Councillor Kim Groves, chairman of the combined authority’s transport committee, said: “We’re delighted to once again be able to offer these small grants to groups and organisations at the heart of our communities.

“We know what a hugely beneficial impact increased levels of walking and cycling can have on individuals and the wider community – improving people’s health and wellbeing, reducing congestion and air pollution and giving people a sense of freedom over the journeys they make.

“Community grants funding has supported some really innovative and inspiring schemes across our region and we’re looking forward to seeing what projects we can help this year.

“Funding may improve people’s health and wellbeing, support access to employment and training opportunities, boost people’s social interactions or achieve one of the many other benefits that cycling and walking can bring to individuals and families.

“We want people and communities right across West Yorkshire to benefit from the grants so I’d encourage even the smallest or newest initiatives to apply.”

The grants scheme is supported by the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund, introduced last year as a response to the coronavirus pandemic.

In November, the combined authority successfully bid for just over £10 million from the second round of the Active Travel Fund. It had previously received £2.5m.

For further information about the grants programme and to apply, visit cyclecityconnect.co.uk/get-cycling/support-for-communities.

The deadline for applications is March 19.