Sustrans (walk Wheel Cycle Trust)

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: £146.4 million (2023-24)
• Grant-Making Budget: £93 million through Places for Everyone (2023-24)
• Decision Time: 2-3 months to panel, then 4-8 weeks for award
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £17 million (program dependent)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide (specific programs for Scotland, West Midlands)
• Program Status: Major programs winding down by December 2025

Contact Details

Main Office (Bristol)

• Address: 2 Cathedral Square, Bristol, BS1 5DD
• Phone: 0117 926 8893
• Email: enquiries@walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Scotland Office (Edinburgh)

• Address: 1 Exchange Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 8RA
• Phone: 0131 346 1384
• Email: scotland@walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk

Places for Everyone (Scotland)

• Email: PlacesforEveryone@sustrans.org.uk
• Phone: 0131 346 1384

Love Your Network (Scotland)

• Email: loveyournetwork@sustrans.org.uk

Website: www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk (formerly www.sustrans.org.uk)

Overview

Sustrans, now operating as Walk Wheel Cycle Trust following a rebrand in September 2024, is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity with a mission to “make it easier for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle.” Founded in 1977 and registered as a charity in 1984, the organization manages the National Cycle Network—over 12,000 miles of signed paths and routes across the UK.

With an annual income of £146.4 million (2023-24), Sustrans operates as both a delivery organization and a grant distributor. In 2023-24, £93 million (63.5% of total income) came from Transport Scotland for the Places for Everyone infrastructure fund, which Sustrans administered by awarding grants to local authorities and community organizations. The charity employs 550 staff and works with 2,500 volunteers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Important Strategic Change: As part of Transport Scotland's Active Travel Transformation Project, the grant-making role for Places for Everyone is being brought in-house by the Scottish Government, with the program winding down by December 2025. This has resulted in significant budget reductions for Sustrans, with funding projected to drop from approximately £150 million to closer to £100 million.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Places for Everyone (Scotland) - CLOSING DECEMBER 2025

• £17 million - Major infrastructure projects (e.g., Roseburn to Union Canal project)
• 100% of design costs and 70% of construction costs
• For local authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships, National Park Associations, and community organizations
• Application method: Project Portal (online), closed to new applications April 2024
• Over 376 projects supported since 2019

Active Travel Community Grants (West Midlands)

• Up to £10,000 per project
• For walking and cycling-focused activities in designated “Cycling for Everyone Wards”
• Funded by West Midlands Combined Authority, administered by Sustrans
• Application method: Online form, rolling with specified deadlines
• Current round closes June 30, 2025

Love Your Network Grant Fund (Scotland)

• Up to £1,000 per project
• Equipment and training bundles for community groups
• For improvements to traffic-free sections of National Cycle Network
• Eligible applicants: Constituted community groups, charities, social enterprises, informal groups
• Application method: Online, annual funding rounds
• 2024/25 round closed February 5, 2025

Community Links PLUS (Scotland)

• Previously awarded grants up to 50% of project costs
• Five projects received £22.54 million total
• Program administered on behalf of Transport Scotland
• No longer accepting new applications

ArtRoots (Scotland)

• £2,500 standard grant, up to £6,000 for enhanced projects
• For artistic and aesthetic improvements along National Cycle Network
• Application method: Contact scotland@walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk

Priority Areas

• Infrastructure Development: Cycleways, pedestrian crossings, traffic-free paths, accessible street design
• Road Space Reallocation: Projects that prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users over motor vehicles
• Motor Traffic Permeability Restrictions: Schemes must include measures that restrict private vehicle access
• Community Engagement: Projects with strong local involvement and participatory design
• Equity and Accessibility: Infrastructure that enables independent travel for all, including unaccompanied 12-year-olds
• Evidence-Based Design: Context-specific proposals backed by research and data
• Collaborative Partnerships: Multi-stakeholder projects between public, third sector, and community organizations

What They Don't Fund

• Stand-alone accessible traffic islands (Places for Everyone)
• Projects without motor traffic permeability restrictions
• Party political activities or materials
• Projects outside designated geographic areas for regional programs
• Schemes that don't facilitate independent walking, cycling, and wheeling

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Governance and Leadership

Executive Team

Xavier Brice - Chief Executive Officer

• Joined Sustrans in June 2016 from Transport for London
• Key quote: "The case for investing in active travel is stronger than ever. It's clear that active forms of travel, such as walking and cycling, bring in billions of pounds of economic benefit. Plus, as people are hit by the cost of living crisis, affordable ways of getting around are critical."
• Recent statement (2024): “Funding is going to be really tight, and in the foreseeable future, Sustrans is going to shrink. This is just the fiscal reality of where we are.”

Executive Directors:

• Matt - Chief Operating Officer
• Sam - Finance and Resources Director
• Harry - Executive Director, People & Organisation Development

Board of Trustees

Moray Macdonald - Chair of Board of Trustees

New Trustees Appointed February 2024:

• Benita Mehra - Chartered Engineer and Director of Environment, NHS
• Carol-Ann Boyter - Director of People and Culture, Sight Scotland
• Ibrahim Ali - Finance Director, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
• Tessa Dwyer - Chartered Accountant and Change Management Specialist
• Zahir Nayani - Equity Partner, Foot Anstey LLP

Other Trustees: Frank (Environmental Champion), Nicola (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champion), Su Crighton (Fundraising Champion), Alistair, Heather, Fiona, Catherine

Total Board Size: 11 trustees

Organizational Values

• Always learning
• Championing equity
• Taking ownership
• Delivering together

How to Apply to Sustrans (walk Wheel Cycle Trust)

How to Apply

Places for Everyone (Scotland) - CLOSED TO NEW APPLICATIONS

• Previously: Expression of Interest followed by full application via Project Portal
• Applications assessed against six design principles (minimum criteria)
• Decision Making Panels included Sustrans experts and external partners
• Program ends December 2025

Active Travel Community Grants (West Midlands)

• Download Applicant Guidance and FAQs from Sustrans website
• Complete online application form
• Must be located in designated Cycling for Everyone Wards
• Applications reviewed by Sustrans team
• Current deadline: June 30, 2025

Love Your Network Grant Fund (Scotland)

• Download Grant Guidelines from Sustrans website
• Check eligibility using National Cycle Network map (solid orange lines)
• Submit application via online process
• Annual funding rounds (typically closing early February)
• Contact loveyournetwork@sustrans.org.uk for enquiries

Decision Timeline

Places for Everyone: Approximately 3-5 months total

• Application deadline to Decision Making Panel: 2-3 months
• Panel date to award notification: 4-8 weeks
• Note: Timing dependent on Transport Scotland funding confirmation

Active Travel Community Grants: Approximately 1 week

• Applications close June 30, 2025
• Successful applicants informed week commencing July 7, 2025

Love Your Network: Not specified in available information

Support Available

• Dedicated support teams for each program
• Community engagement expertise
• Match funding guidance (Places for Everyone)
• Tailored application packs
• Industry-leading training through “Engage – Inspire – Learn” program
• Pre-application Expression of Interest process (Places for Everyone) to save time

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy information publicly available. Contact relevant program team for guidance on unsuccessful applications.

Application Success Factors

Design Principles (Places for Everyone)

Projects must meet six minimum criteria:

1. Collaborative Development: Ideas developed in partnership with communities
2. Universal Accessibility: Enable independent travel for everyone, including unaccompanied 12-year-olds
3. Comfort and Protection: Design places providing enjoyment, comfort, and safety
4. Equity and Access: Ensure equality of opportunity in public space
5. Evidence-Led: Context-specific, data-driven proposals
6. Road Space Reallocation: Prioritize people walking, wheeling, and cycling over private motor vehicles

Successful Project Examples

£17 million Roseburn to Union Canal Project (Edinburgh): Created new green corridor connecting existing paths, officially opened December 2024. Demonstrates scale of funding available for well-developed infrastructure projects.

Carnoustie NCN Route 1 Transformation (Angus): UK's first pedestrian and cyclist priority scheme using intelligent traffic signals and detection technology. Shows innovation and technology integration can win funding.

Leith Connections (Edinburgh): Combined street layout changes with public art installations to create safer, more comfortable environment. Illustrates value of holistic, community-focused design.

£14.8 million CCWEL Project (Edinburgh): Awarded £14.8m of £23m total cost, demonstrating willingness to fund majority of major schemes with appropriate match funding.

Key Strategic Alignment

• Evidence Base: Projects backed by data showing need and projected impact perform better
• Community Involvement: Strong local consultation and participatory design essential
• Motor Traffic Reduction: Must demonstrate how scheme restricts vehicle permeability
• Partnership Approach: Multi-stakeholder collaboration strengthens applications
• Maintenance Plan: Long-term sustainability and maintenance considerations important
• Equity Focus: Projects addressing social inequality and accessibility gaps prioritized

CEO's Funding Priorities

Xavier Brice emphasizes: “This must mark the start of long-term multi-year funding for active travel to make it easier for everyone to walk and cycle more and to drive less for short journeys. This will be crucial for reaching net-zero, tackling physical inactivity, reducing air pollution and creating more liveable towns and cities.”

Projects should demonstrate contribution to:

• Net-zero carbon targets
• Physical activity and public health
• Air quality improvement
• Economic benefits and cost of living support
• Creation of liveable communities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Program Status Critical: Places for Everyone closes December 2025; focus on Active Travel Community Grants and Love Your Network for ongoing opportunities
• Motor Traffic Restriction Essential: All infrastructure projects must include measures restricting private vehicle permeability—standalone improvements without this element are ineligible
• Match Funding Required: Places for Everyone covers 70% of construction costs; secure 30% match funding before applying
• Six Design Principles Non-Negotiable: All criteria must be met for Places for Everyone consideration—review thoroughly before investing time in application
• Geographic Specificity: Active Travel Community Grants only available in designated West Midlands wards; Love Your Network only for specific NCN sections—confirm eligibility first
• Decision Making Panels Include External Experts: Applications assessed by professionals beyond Sustrans staff, including Transport Scotland engineers and urban design specialists
• Expression of Interest Process Saves Time: Use EOI route (where available) to get quick feedback on alignment before full application
• Small Grants Move Faster: Love Your Network (up to £1,000) and Active Travel Community Grants (up to £10,000) have quicker turnaround than major infrastructure funding
• Community Engagement Vital: Industry-leading community engagement support available—leverage this expertise to strengthen application
• Organizational Transition Underway: As Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, organization shifting focus from grant distribution to direct delivery and advocacy—future grant programs may evolve significantly
• Evidence Library Available: Places for Everyone monitoring and evaluation results provide valuable case studies for demonstrating impact in applications

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• National Lottery Heritage Fund
• Welsh Government
• The Charities Aid Foundation
• Greater London Authority
• Motor Neurone Disease Association
• Prostate Cancer Uk
• British Heart Foundation
• Moondance Foundation
• Maudsley Charity
• The Legal Education Foundation
• The Brain Tumour Charity
• Ecological Restoration Fund
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• Power To Change Trust
• Trust For London
• John Ellerman Foundation
• The Big Give Trust
• National Lottery
• Local Trust
• The Rivers Trust

References

1. Charity Commission, “SUSTRANS - 326550,” Register of Charities. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/326550

1. Find that Charity, “GB-CHC-326550 | Sustrans,”. https://findthatcharity.uk/orgid/GB-CHC-326550

1. Sustrans Showcase, “Places for Everyone,”. https://www.showcase-sustrans.org.uk/places-for-everyone/

1. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, “About us,”. https://www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/about-us/

1. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, “Contact us,”. https://www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/contact-us/

1. Funding Scotland, “Sustrans - Love Your Network Grant Fund,”. https://funding.scot/funds/a0R0N00000VI2F7UAL/sustrans-love-your-network-grant-fund

1. Sustrans, “Grant applications open to support walking and cycling in the West Midlands,”. https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/news/grant-applications-open-to-support-walking-and-cycling-in-the-west-midlands/

1. Scottish Government, “Sustrans delivery of the Places for Everyone Programme: FOI release,”. https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-202300378738/

1. Scottish Government, “Sustrans Places for Everyone funding criteria and equality impacts: FOI release,”. https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-202300378740/

1. Cycling Industry News, "Sustrans becomes Walk Wheel Cycle Trust & launches 5 year strategy," September 2024. https://cyclingindustry.news/sustrans-becomes-walk-wheel-cycle-trust-launches-5-year-strategy/

1. Sustrans, “Sustrans welcomes five new trustees to its board,” February 2024. https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/news/2024/february/sustrans-welcomes-five-new-trustees

1. Cycling Industry News, "National Cycle Network charity Sustrans braced for 'substantial cuts'," 2024. https://cyclingindustry.news/national-cycling-network-charity-sustrans-braced-for-substantial-cuts/

1. Sustrans Showcase, “July 2023 – Developed and Technical Design (Stages 3-4) and Construction (Stages 5-7) awards,” 2023. https://www.showcase-sustrans.org.uk/news/2023-2024-places-for-everyone-grant-awards-release/

1. Transport Scotland, “Places for Everyone,” Active Travel Infrastructure Investment Report 2023-24. https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/active-travel-infrastructure-investment-report-2023-24/places-for-everyone/

1. Sustrans Showcase, “Changes to Places for Everyone and 2024/25 decision making timeline,” 2024. https://www.showcase-sustrans.org.uk/news/changes-to-places-for-everyone-and-2024-25-decision-making-timeline/