Active Travel England (ATE) has published its Rural Design Guide, providing local authorities with practical advice to plan and deliver safe, accessible and attractive walking, wheeling and cycling routes.
Rural communities often face fewer transport options and longer distances to services, making it vital that walking, wheeling and cycling routes are safe, direct and well connected.
Minister for Local Transport Lilian Greenwood announced the guide’s publication during her keynote speech at the Active County Conference in Cambridge (14 July 2026).
While local authorities are not legally required to follow this guide, it contains clear technical advice and examples, to help them provide high-quality active travel routes tailored to the unique requirements of villages, small market towns, and the countryside.
ATE collected thousands of responses to the guidance through extensive engagement with rural communities, councils and countryside organisations. Contributors included the National Trust, Natural England, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, the Ramblers, Open Spaces Society, the British Horse Society and National Parks across England, alongside a range of walking, wheeling, cycling and accessibility stakeholders.
Nick Butler, Modeshift Chief Executive Officer said:
‘Enhancing everyday journeys starts with making active travel the easy choice. The Rural Design Guide provides an important framework for creating safer, more connected routes that help people access work, education, and services while supporting healthier, more sustainable rural communities.’
Read the full article: New guidance to help councils deliver safer rural walking and cycling routes | Active Travel England
