Community Outreach Active Travel Projects Services in Oxfordshire

About

Oxfordshire County Council awarded a contract to Active Oxfordshire to administer a grant application scheme for Community Outreach Active Travel Project Services.

The service provider will encourage uptake of active modes of travel, such as cycling and walking, in specified parts of Oxfordshire, aiming to reduce car travel, improve air quality and the environment, and increase physical activity.

The geographic scope focuses on, but is not limited to, the top ten most deprived wards in the County, spread across Banbury, Abingdon, and Oxford.

Projects are community-led, engaging with and supporting key stakeholders in delivering active travel initiatives.

The service provider holds meetings with local stakeholders who have well-established relationships with target groups, namely those furthest from walking and cycling, to brief them on established initiatives and deliberate on potential initiatives.

A Community Ideas Fund (CIF) enables stakeholders to apply for small grants for projects assessed against criteria supporting active journeys, which may include pop-up events, training, provision of equipment, or minor infrastructure such as cycle parking or parklets.

Projects address local barriers to walking and cycling for key target groups, with a focus on activation but not excluding funding of minor capital costs.

The programme impacts communities with high levels of deprivation and inactivity by tackling barriers such as lack of confidence and competence, perception of safety, or financial barriers.

The contract period commenced on 1 October 2023.

The contract value is AUD 150,000.