Harrow residents now have the opportunity to promote walking and cycling in the community as grant applications open for Walking and Cycling Grants London.
Transport for London (TfL) has made more than £500,000 available in London for community and not-for-profit groups, including those in Harrow. The initiative aims to encourage people to embrace active modes of transportation and create a healthier, more sustainable city.
The grants, funded by TfL in partnership with The London Marathon Foundation and administered by Groundwork London, offer two types of funding options.
Walking and Cycling Grants provide up to £10,000 over three years to successful applicants who propose projects that increase walking and cycling levels, particularly among traditionally underrepresented groups in Harrow.
For community initiatives based on successful projects from other areas, Community Ideas Grants are also available.
These grants offer £5,000 for a single year to replicate proven projects, further fostering the community’s connection and promoting physical and mental health.
To ensure inclusivity, TfL has translated the funding guidance into various languages, including Romanian, Polish, Bengali, Spanish, and Portuguese, as well as offering an easy-to-read version and British Sign Language (BSL). This move aims to reach as many groups as possible, ensuring they can access the guidance and apply for the grants.
Applications for both grant programs are now open and can be accessed at wcgl.london. The application window will close at 17:00 on 1 September 2023, and successful applicants will be announced in November 2023.
Interested community groups in Harrow are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to promote walking and cycling, fostering a more active and sustainable lifestyle for the residents of Harrow.
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “The Mayor and I want Londoners from all walks of life to feel enabled to walk and cycle, so I’m delighted that even more community groups will now benefit from our walking and cycling grants to boost active travel in underrepresented groups.
“By showing that walking and cycling are convenient, easy and fun ways to get around, we can help improve the health and quality of life of more Londoners, as well as reduce toxic air pollution and tackle the climate crisis.
“Local community organisations have a key role to play in supporting the Mayor’s aim to continue building a greener, more sustainable London for everyone.”
Jade Weir-Reid, Director of Carib and Co Brunch, said: “Without the support of the Walking and Cycling Grants London, Carib & Co Brunch would not have been able to get involved in this work to the same level; it gave more credibility to the work and change we were making within our community.”
For more information, interested parties can visit wcgl.london or reach out to the program at wcgl@groundwork.org.uk.
