A COUNCIL project aimed at getting Kendal motorists to switch to bikes for short journeys around town has won Government funding.

South Lakeland District Council has been granted £29,000 to fund a range of measures to promote cycling and improve air quality in Kendal.

A recent transport study carried out by Cumbria County Council found that around 75 per cent cars journeys in and around Kendal started in the town.

The cycling project, being run in partnership with the county council, will target these short journeys helping make it easier for people to switch to their bike. Phil Greenup, SLDC’s Public Protection Manager, said: “We are delighted that officers have been successful in winning government funding to help improve air quality in the Kendal area.

“We now have £29,000 to encourage cycling around Kendal and we’re aiming to increase the number of bicycle journeys in Kendal by 10 per cent.

“This will give a reduction in locally generated car journeys and ease congestion in Kendal, reducing Nitrogen Dioxide emissions in the town centre.”

“The grant will help us to address people’s concerns and fears about cycling in Kendal, which up until now has been a real barrier in changing people’s travel habits. “The use of a bike as an alternative means of travelling around Kendal will hopefully become a reality. The grant money will be used to run events to promote cycling and cycle safety, boost confidence and also improve cycle parking facilities.” The project is part of the ‘Go Easy’ campaign, which believes that everybody can make a positive difference to Kendal’s environment by making small but simple changes to their travel routines to reduce Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels and reduce the impact of traffic on Kendal’s fresh air.