Transport for London (TfL) has officially opened applications for its 2025 Walking and Cycling Grants London (WCGL) programme, with over £550,000 in funding available to community and not-for-profit groups across the capital.

The scheme aims to encourage more Londoners to walk, cycle and embrace active travel, while tackling the barriers many communities face in accessing healthy and sustainable transport options.

Applications are open until 8 September 2025, with successful projects set to be announced in November.

Each group awarded funding will receive up to £5,000 over one year to deliver grassroots initiatives tailored to their local area.

The WCGL programme is delivered by Groundwork London in partnership with TfL and the London Marathon Foundation, and has already supported 395 community projects since its launch in 2016.

These include schemes such as Cycle Sisters, Joyriders, and local groups like Two Mindful Bees in Lewisham, Harrow Cycle Hub, and Ambition, Aspire, Achieve in Newham.

To date, the programme has reached 89,000 people across London's 32 boroughs and the City of London, offering activities from cycling lessons and bike maintenance classes to wellbeing walks for those experiencing isolation or ill health.

Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: "TfL's Walking and Cycling Grants London programme is helping to transform the lives of thousands of Londoners by empowering communities and local organisations to encourage more walking, cycling and active travel in their area.

The Mayor and I encourage community and not-for-profit groups to apply and help bring their ideas to life as we build a greener, more accessible London for all."

Miranda Leedham, Head of Customer Marketing and Behaviour Change at TfL, added: "We are committed to working with local communities, particularly those that have historically been underrepresented.

"The grants have been crucial in helping people build confidence in active travel, and we're excited to see more Londoners of all ages and backgrounds get involved."

Ambition, Aspire, Achieve Cycling Club (credit: Groundworks).

This year, TfL is also offering Community Ideas Grants to help kickstart smaller-scale initiatives based on successful past projects.

Applicants can browse the Community Ideas Hub to draw inspiration and adapt tried-and-tested concepts for their own neighbourhoods.

The scheme is underpinned by the belief that walking and cycling offer not just health benefits, but also social, environmental and economic value, particularly when communities are directly engaged in shaping their own solutions.

Mike Diaper, Group Funding and Impact Director at the London Marathon Foundation, commented: "Our vision is to inspire activity. Since 2019, we've co-funded projects that have reached over 80,000 people.

"This next round of applications will help further our mission and provide more inclusive opportunities for Londoners to get active every day."

Martin Petry, Grants Manager at Groundwork London, said: "Encouraging and supporting thousands of Londoners to walk and cycle, particularly those facing barriers, brings wide community benefits including health, inclusion, skills and economic mobility."

Antonio Dacruz, Programme Manager at Future Challenges UK, explained: "Babes on Bikes isn't just about teaching girls and women to ride bikes, it's about empowering them with confidence. This project has been a fantastic journey and would not have been possible without WCGL support."

Thanh Uong, Director of Two Mindful Bees, added: "Thanks to WCGL, we've expanded our mindfulness walks and connected with the community. These walks provide self-care, social interaction and foster a sense of wonder in nature."

Applications for both main and Community Ideas Grants can be submitted at wcgl.london. Comprehensive guidance is available to assist groups throughout the application process.

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