The funding package will also allow the construction of improved crossings and junctions to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier, safer and better across the country. The investment will also help fund cycle training for hundreds of thousands of children.

The improvements will help people make 30 million more journeys by bike or foot every year, including more than 20 million new walk-to-school journeys by children and their parents.

In total, today's £291m funding package includes:

• £222.5m to local authorities for the development and delivery of local walking, wheeling and cycling schemes, alongside community engagement and training
• £30m to provide Bikeability cycle training to children
• £30m to the Sustrans charity to deliver improvements to the National Cycle Network, a UK-wide network of signed active travel routes
• £8.5m for Cycling UK, Living Streets and Modeshift to deliver walking, wheeling and cycling initiatives in schools and communities.

In addition, ATE is publishing its guidance to help councils ensure that local residents and businesses are heard when designing and delivering transport changes in neighbourhoods.

National active travel commissioner, Chris Boardman, said: ‘Making it simple and safe to walk, wheel or cycle to schools, shops and workplaces is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation's health, economy and get to net zero, all in one.

‘Free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic are benefits already being enjoyed as standard by our European neighbours and it's time we had the same life-improving choices.

‘This funding will help make our towns, cities and villages happier, healthier and greener places to live.'

Minister for local transport, Simon Lightwood, said: ‘Walking and cycling is an affordable way to get around and is hugely beneficial for both mental and physical health. We're making sure local authorities can deliver high-quality and easily accessible schemes for everyone.'