ORGANISATIONS in the North West are being offered the chance to avail of grants from Derry City and Strabane District Council and the Active and Sustainable Travel Forum to host events and training sessions that encourage travel by foot or bicycle.
The Active Travel Grant offers funding of up to £1000 for events or training and is open to organisations such as walking and cycling clubs, schools, universities, community groups and employers on a not for profit basis.
Events organised should maximise participation by including the general public, a wide cross-section of schools, communities or a number of diverse workplaces.
Welcoming the news Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, said the grant was the perfect opportunity for organisations to progress their active travel strategy.
“The promotion of active travel is a high priority for council given the environmental improvements and personal health benefits that it brings,” she said.
“The Active Travel Grant scheme is in keeping with the aims and objectives of the Transport and Infrastructure group in Council’s Community Plan to promote a more integrated, sustainable and accessible transport system, which maximises growth, social inclusion and quality of life.
“Funding can help kick start that process and I would encourage all local non-profit organisations to take the first step by applying today.”
Sustrans Project Delivery Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ross McGill, added that there are a wide variety of ways for organisations to promote active travel.
“There is a responsibility on all of us to make a conscious effort to be as active as possible in our travel choices,” he said.
“Local organisations can take the lead on that by hosting events and training sessions and putting in place the necessary infrastructure to encourage and accommodate active travel choices.
“The grants can fund the hosting of events that will encourage people in your organisation to begin active travel such as a walker’s or cyclist’s breakfast or even to add supporting infrastructure like cycle parking in your premises.
“We would also encourage applicants to collaborate with each other to maximise the impact of their events and sessions.”
Eligible groups must be non-profit making and based within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.
A minimum of four events must be organised between May 20th 2017 and March 31st 2018.
Council reserves the right to withhold funding from any event that does not adequately and appropriately promote the Council’s messages of walking and cycling to the four main audiences listed above.
Funding will be allocated across two rounds of applications.
Completed applications for the summer term must be submitted in hard copy or by e-mail by 4pm on 31 May 2017.
Completed applications for the autumn/winter term must be submitted by 4pm on 15 September 2017.
Application forms are available to download from Council’s website at www.derrystrabane.com/greenways.
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