Funding made available for Derry groups organising walking and bike events

Funding is being made available for groups in Derry who are organising events which encourage travel by foot or bicycle.

The Active Travel Grants scheme offers funding of up to £1,000 to organisations such as walking and cycling clubs, schools, universities, community groups and not for profit employers.

The funding scheme was launched at Derry’s Peace Bridge by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Maolíosa McHugh

Cllr McHugh urged local groups to apply now to help progress their organisation’s active travel strategy.

“The promotion of active travel is a high priority for council given the environmental improvements and personal health benefits that it brings.

“There is a responsibility on all of us to make a conscious effort to be as active as possible in our travel choices and local organisations can take the lead on that by hosting events and training sessions and putting in place the necessary infrastructure to encourage and accommodate active travel choices.

“The Active Travel Grant scheme is in keeping with the aims and objectives of the Transport and Infrastructure group in Council’s Community Plan to promote a more integrated, sustainable and accessible transport system, which maximises growth, social inclusion and quality of life.”

Colette Brolly, lead for physical activity at the Public Health Agency, which is also involved in the initiative, added: “Being more physically active can make a real difference to your health and wellbeing. Through these grants, we aim to increase the accessibility for everyone to get more active.

“Any activity is good for you, with a minimum recommended level of physical activity at 150 minutes per week, or 30 minutes each day, for adults, we hope these grants will help more of us to meet and exceed this.”

This is the second round of funding in the scheme and will be distributed in the Autumn.

Eligible groups must be non-profit making and based within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area and a minimum of four events must be organised.

Application forms are available to download now on Council's website at www.derrystrabane.com/greenways.