SWINDON has been given more than £350,000 to encourage residents to ditch their cars and take up walking or cycling.

The money will be used by Swindon Borough Council’s Travel Choices team and will support the recently adopted Cycling Framework, which aims to double the number of cyclists over the next decade.

Coming from the Department of Transport, the £366,000 grant will also form part of the Swindon Sustainable Transport project, which was recently given £1.25 million by the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Project to build improved cycle routes and cycling infrastructure within Swindon.

Work has recently been done to create a number of new cycle routes, such as the Western and Southern flyers while plans are in place to build a route from East Swindon to the town centre.

The funding will allow Swindon Travel Choices to continue its cycle loan scheme, run cycle challenge programmes and support schools to develop accredited travel plans.

There will also be an emphasis on training adult Travel Champions and up to 100 pupil Travel Ambassadors as well as delivering pedestrian training to 5,000 primary school pupils.

Swindon's was one of 23 sustainable travel initiatives nationally to receive part of £20.6 million in funding from the Department of Transport.

Successful local authorities demonstrated they could cut emissions, support social and economic growth and increase cycling and walking in their areas.

Coun Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan), the cabinet member for transport, said: “Our recent cycling strategy was created by cyclists for cyclists, and the success in winning this grant so soon shows the value of our work with community groups like Swindon BUG.

“One in seven children cycle to school in Swindon, yet only one in 20 adults cycle to work. I want to see this figure increase significantly because it will not only promote active, healthy lifestyles, but it will also help reduce congestion on our roads.

“This money will allow us to continue our work with businesses and schools, and is certainly a step in the right direction.”

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Green transport cuts congestion and improves air quality. It also offers the cheapest and healthiest way for people to access jobs and education.

“Swindon’s green travel scheme will make a real difference for residents and help provide better air quality for everyone. Our £21m funding across England shows we are committed to improving lives through investment in sustainable transport.”

For further information about Swindon Travel Choices visit: www.swindontravelchoices.co.uk