In December 2025, Active Travel England confirmed in a letter to BCP Council there the local authorities capability rating has increased from level two to level three. The letter also confirmed the council would be able to access a multi-year funding settlement.
As part of the four-year investment programme the council has been allocated £2.2million capital funding until 2029/30, along with an additional £705,869 in revenue allocation until 2028/29.
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This means a total of £11.1million is being proposed to be spend on active travel in the next four years to improve pavements and cycle routes, plan network routes, and run local activities so more people can walk, wheel or cycle.
In 2025/26, the council assigned active travel £1,128,857 in capital funding and £330,665 revenue allocation.
New crossings are proposed in Turbary Park Avenue, Kinson Road, Canford Cliffs Road, Bournemouth Road, and to link Iford Old Bridge with Oak Avenue.
The first part of a three-phase project for Poole Park Causeway, will see improvements to existing walking and cycling route through Poole Park between Whitecliff Road and Parkstone Road and a replacement to temporary barriers at the gate.
Design work will also be undertaken for projects that will be delivered in future years such as a cycle lane between Poole Lane, new crossing near Mandale Road, cycle track and footway improvements at University Roundabout.
An accessible cycling hub pilot scheme to allow cycle training to be delivered to children with SEND who are not currently able to do Bikeability due to a lack of suitable cycle.
The funding will also be used to determine required improvement to encourage children to walk or cycle to schools.
Three schools have been identified, Twynham, Poole High and schools on East Way, have been chosen in the first instance to positively impact the greatest number of children.
Secure cycle parking will be made available in town centres, extension to education programmes in schools, and improving access to green spaces and parks for residents.
The funding for active travel will be discussed at Transport Advisory Group on February 25 and then by BCP Council’s cabinet on March 4.