A London-wide programme backed by Transport for London (TfL) and The London Marathon Foundation is offering fresh funding to community and not-for-profit groups seeking to make
walking and cycling more accessible across the capital.
The Walking and Cycling Grants London (WCGL) scheme has supported more than 100,000 Londoners since it was launched in 2015, helping people overcome practical, social and confidence-related barriers to active travel.
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £10,000 to run projects over a three-year period. The programme is administered by Groundwork London and is designed to give local groups the resources to develop initiatives around the needs of their own communities.
The focus is particularly on Londoners who have traditionally been under-represented among walkers and cyclists. Projects can range from cycling lessons and bike-repair sessions to walking groups aimed at reducing isolation, improving mental wellbeing or supporting people living with long-term health problems.
More than 500 projects across all 32 London boroughs and the City of London have received support since the programme began.
Among last year's recipients were the London Cycling Campaign, Your Bike Project and The Change Foundation, alongside smaller grassroots organisations. Urban Flyers C.I.C. ran activities in Hammersmith & Fulham, Intergenerational Music Making delivered a project in Brent, while CarryMe Bikes C.I.C. worked with participants in Hackney.
In total, 185 projects received funding last year, highlighting the scale of demand for community-led initiatives designed to get people moving.
A second funding stream, the Community Ideas Grants, is also open for applications. It offers up to £5,000 to organisations looking to reproduce projects that have already proved successful elsewhere in London. Groups can use the Community Ideas Hub to identify established ideas and adapt them for their own neighbourhoods.
Applications for both schemes are open until 28 September through WCGL.
TfL says the funding is part of a wider effort to make active travel a realistic option for people across the capital, combining investment in transport infrastructure with programmes designed to build confidence.
The wider push includes the TfL Go app, which provides walking and cycling journey information, and Cycle Sundays, offering guided rides for people new to cycling or returning to it.
The capital's expanding Cycleway network is also intended to make cycling safer and more accessible. The network has now grown to around 450km, creating more opportunities for Londoners of different ages and abilities to use bikes as part of their everyday journeys.
For TfL and its partners, the objective is not simply to encourage more people to exercise, but to remove some of the barriers that determine who can comfortably choose walking or cycling as a means of getting around London.
The latest round of grants is intended to put that work directly in the hands of local communities, where organisers are often best placed to understand why residents are not yet taking part — and what might persuade them to start.
Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said:
'The Mayor and I are committed to creating a London where walking and cycling are accessible, inclusive and enjoyable options for everyone. That's why I'm delighted that TfL's grants programme continues to support community groups in breaking down barriers to active travel.
These projects are already having an incredible impact in communities across the city but we want even more Londoners to benefit. The Mayor and I encourage community and not-for-profit organisations in the capital to apply for these grants, which can help bring their ideas to life as we work together to build a better, greener and fairer London for all.'
Miranda Leedham, Head of Customer Marketing & Behaviour Change at TfL, said:
'Walking and cycling can improve people's physical and mental wellbeing, help reduce congestion and support a greener London. Through these grants, community organisations play a vital role in helping people build the confidence to travel actively, particularly those who may face barriers to participation. We look forward to supporting another year of amazing projects that will help even more Londoners enjoy the benefits of walking and cycling.'
Mike Diaper, Group Funding and Impact Director at the London Marathon Foundation, said:
'Walking and cycling are great ways to get more active. Since 2020, we've supported more than 60,000 people through Walking and Cycling Grants London, delivered in partnership with Transport for London.
'We encourage community groups with ideas to make walking and cycling more accessible and inclusive to apply for funding. Together, we can help thousands more people across the capital become more physically active and improve their health and wellbeing.'
Ben Coles, Director of Development & Strategic Programmes at Groundwork London, said:
'We are a proud partner of Walking and Cycling Grants with TfL and London Marathon Foundation, delivering this unique grant for over ten years to a diverse range of projects and community groups. This collaborative work to bring people closer to walking and cycling goes beyond community engagement - particularly for people that are underrepresented or face barriers to participation - providing solutions for better health, inclusion, skills and opportunity. We're excited to work with the next cohort of grantees, helping more people across the capital to improve their lives and the places they live through walking and cycling.'
Ros Daniels, Director of London and South East, Canal & River Trust, said:
'Canal & River Trust is the charity caring for canals in London and across England and Wales, and with the kind support of Walking and Cycling Grants London in 2026 we are able to deliver a community walking initiative centred on the special natural spaces along the Grand Union Canal in Southall; the "blue and green" haven that meanders around Southall, Hayes and North Hyde, providing a sanctuary from the urban environment.
'Building on our Let's Walk programme, we are running weekly free inclusive group walks along various sections of the canal led by trained local volunteers, for Ealing, Hillingdon and Hounslow residents to connect with nature, spend time by water, connect with others and improve their health and wellbeing. So far over 85 people have joined our walk leaders on more than 30 walks and they are still going strong.'
Zoe Flynn, Lead Artist, Frames of Mind, said:
'Thanks to WCGL funding we have been able to train staff and new volunteers to lead safe, inclusive weekly walks and significantly grow our 'People Need People' community.
'51 elders, many experiencing long term health conditions and isolation have enjoyed 12 social walks, visiting new local spaces together, whilst monitoring their progress using navigation and health apps. Frames of Mind are delighted by the increased appetite for walking and new friendships made as a result of People Need People Walking Club and hope to continue the programme into next year.' Photo by Gerry Lynch, Wikimedia commons.
