The UK Government has announced an ambitious strategy to kickstart a “green transport revolution”, announcing a £2 billion (approximately $3.65 billion Australian) plan to get people out of their cars and on to their bikes.

As part of the scheme, cyclists across the country will be able to access bike repair vouchers worth up to £50 with further funds available to local governments to make areas safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The plan will also create a national standard for cycle infrastructure and a new body, Active Travel England, to ensure those standards are adhered to by local authorities.

Some other elements of the plans include thousands of kilometres of protected bike lanes, free bicycle training across the country and bikes being made available via prescription. Ultimately the plan aims to tackle the root causes of poor health and, by doing so, reduce the strain on the country’s National Health Service.

“From helping people get fit and healthy and lowering their risk of illness, to improving air quality and cutting congestion, cycling and walking have a huge role to play in tackling some of the biggest health and environmental challenges that we face,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a statement.

The plan was announced off the back of the “Decarbonising Transport” report released earlier this year and makes up part of its national climate crisis strategy, which aims to enable the UK to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. A particular focus is placed on encouraging active forms of transport, namely, walking and cycling.

The plan is broken up into six key strategic priorities:

• Accelerating a shift towards public and active transport

• Decarbonising road vehicles

• Decarbonising how our goods and services reach us

• Solutions for emissions reductions based on specific locations

• The UK as a hub for green technology and innovation

• Reducing carbon in a global economy