PLANS to boost active travel across the region have received a £17million boost from central government.
The money will go to Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to make it more convenient and safer for people to cycle, walk and wheel.
It will also fund the delivery of 12 schemes which will form part of the Starley Network, including protected cycleways, school streets and safer crossings.
The region has bold ambitions to increase journeys taken by bicycle, walking or wheeling to help ease congestion, clean up the air we breath and improve people’s health.
This is the third allocation of Active Travel Fund money awarded to the region by the Department for Transport since 2020.
The projects have been developed and will be delivered by local councils working in partnership with TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
These include various improvement for pedestrians in Solihull, cycle routes in Selly Oak as part of an extension of the existing A38 blue route, which will also improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians around the shopping district.
Other schemes include a high-quality multi-modal corridor along the A454 between Wolverhampton and Walsall, as well as new active travel schemes in Coventry.
Safe cycleways are currently being delivered, including on Binley Road in Coventry and along the A457 corridor from Birmingham City Centre to Smethwick and free cycle racks for businesses which have supported more people to cycle to work.
Adam Tranter, West Midlands cycling and walking commissioner, said: “We know that we need to make it safer for people walking and cycling to help reduce reliance on cars for short journeys.
“This funding marks yet another critical step forward in moving everyday short journeys onto foot or bike, marking clear intent to ensure active travel becomes the new norm in our towns and cities.”
The extra cash for cycling and walking builds on the £254m already awarded to schemes that enable Active Travel in the region.
