Using Section 106 to fund active travel and bike share schemes

Section one-oh-what?

We get it, policy talk can sound a bit intimidating.

But Section 106 agreements have real potential to support active travel by requiring property developers to consider and contribute to infrastructure that promotes walking, cycling, and other sustainable transport options.

In this blog post we’ll break down all things Section 106 – what it is, who it applies to and the role that bike share, and CycleSaver, can play in supporting Section 106 active travel projects.

What is Section 106?

Section 106 (S106) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is a planning mechanism that allows local councils in England and Wales the chance to secure financial contributions from property developers. 

These Section 106 planning requirements are designed to offset the social and environmental impact of new developments by providing the funding for infrastructure and services such as schools, green spaces, public transport and importantly, active travel initiatives.

Who does Section 106 apply to?

Section 106 applies to developers and landowners seeking planning permission for large-scale residential and commercial developments. 

Local councils will negotiate agreements on the size and scale of these required contributions as part of the planning approval process. The resulting contributions must directly benefit the local area and support sustainable, inclusive growth. 

S106 funds can be used to deliver physical infrastructure or to subsidise services, like CycleSaver, that improve mobility, reduce car dependency, and promote environmental wellbeing.

Why active travel matters when it comes to Section 106

As cities across the UK continue to look for ways to reduce emissions, ease congestion, and improve public health, active travel solutions like walking and cycling are being prioritised in local transport strategies. Government policies, including Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs), encourage councils to use planning gain tools like S106 to support these goals.

Councils are increasingly directing Section 106 cycling contributions toward infrastructure such as bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, cycle parking, and secure storage – but shared mobility services are also gaining traction.

The role of bike share in planning obligations

Bike sharing schemes like Lime, Forest, Santander Cycles, and Beryl have become a key part of the active travel landscape in the UK – making flexible, green commuting easier and more accessible than ever, especially for those who prefer not to own a bike due to theft concerns, maintenance costs, or lack of secure storage.

Many councils are now using Section 106 funding to expand bike share access and parking in new housing or commercial developments – making it an effective way to promote sustainable, inclusive travel within local communities.

How CycleSaver can support Section 106 active travel projects

CycleSaver is the only company to have partnered with every major bike share scheme across the UK. Our technology-first approach reduces administrative burden while ensuring the aims and objectives are achieved.

Leveraging our partnerships, along with our technology platform, we can fulfill bike share subscriptions across multiple providers and multiple locations to meet your Section 106 obligations.  

Making active travel the default Section 106 solution

If you’re a developer, local authority, or sustainability consultant exploring bike share planning obligations or S106 cycling projects, we’d love to help.

Contact the CycleSaver team about how our scheme can support your S106 planning goals.