Schools across Shropshire are being invited to apply for grants of up to £1,000 each to help pupils walk, cycle, or scoot to class. Shropshire Council has launched the funding opportunity as part of a national effort to encourage more children to use active transport, with applications open until 22 May 2026.
The £30,000 pot is provided by Active Travel England. This marks the third consecutive year the council has secured this specific funding, which aims to improve children’s health and reduce the number of cars around school gates.
Over the last two years, 56 schools and colleges in the area have received more than £60,000 through this programme. These grants have previously been used to pay for bike and scooter racks, safety equipment, bike maintenance, and to purchase bikes and scooters that schools loan out to their pupils.
Councillor Rob Wilson, the council’s cabinet member for transport and economic growth, noted that the programme continues to support schools in promoting sustainable travel. While the funding covers a wide range of initiatives, schools should note that balance bikes are excluded this year. This is because the national Get Cycling programme now provides the delivery, training, and equipment for balance bikes directly to schools.
Nationally, the government has committed significant investment to this cause, with a £108 million funding boost announced in March 2026 to support similar schemes across England. Schools interested in applying for the current Shropshire grants can contact the council’s Sustainable Travel Team for further guidance.
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