Sustrans is the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, working to achieve a world in which people can choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment.

Connect2 is Sustrans’ submission to the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) for its Living Landmarks: The People’s Millions programme. If successful the project will receive a grant of up to £50 million. Connect2 is a portfolio of community-inspired schemes aiming to change people’s “mental maps” of their area so that cycling and walking become the first and natural choice for getting around. The actual schemes will overcome physical barriers that divide local areas, for instance a bridge over a railway line, a crossing over a busy road or a ferry over a river.

The final Connect2 shortlist will be presented to BIG at the end of May. The Connect2 project is being considered alongside five other projects: the Eden Project’s Dry Topics Biome, Somerset WATERLINKS, the National Museum of Science & Industry Collections Centre, The Black Country as Urban Park and Sherwood Forest: The Living Legend. A panel of experts in the areas of architecture, regeneration and the environment will judge the projects in September 2007 and, if successful in this next round, Connect2 will then be put to the public vote.

Sustrans is working with the proposer, otherwise known as the sponsor, of each project and, in some cases a steering group, to ensure the widest possible consultation on each scheme.

The aim of media work is to support this process to ensure wide public support for Connect2.

Sustrans' press office is responsible for the promotion of Connect2.