MORE CYCLE routes, junction upgrades and safer road crossings are on the cards after £21million of Government funding was handed to the region.
Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands secured the funding to deliver more active travel schemes in partnership with local councils.
This investment is said to deliver more cycle routes, junction upgrades, safer road crossings and support community projects to encourage more people to take up cycling and walking across the West Midlands.
The two allocations to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) were announced from the Government’s Active Travel Fund: A £5.2million to cover activity this year and a £15.9million allocation for 2025/26.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the WMCA, will now work with local councils to allocate the funding to specific projects to secure the greatest benefit from the investment.
Previous rounds of Active Travel Fund grants have been used on a wide range of projects including extending the A38 cycle route in south Birmingham
There has also been funding support for cycling classes, group walks and other community projects.
Mr Parker said: “I’ve secured £21million – the largest active travel funding allocation in the country – to make walking and cycling safer, easier, and more accessible for people across the West Midlands.
“Too many people don’t have safe, convenient routes to get around.
“This investment will deliver more cycle lanes, safer road crossings, and better pathways, giving more people the choice to walk or cycle for everyday journeys. That’s good for people’s pockets, their health, and our environment.”
West Midlands Active Travel Commissioner, Beccy Marston, added: “I am committed to working with colleagues on delivering Mayor Richard Parker’s ‘Journeys for Everyone’.
“This new funding will allow us to improve infrastructure whilst providing additional support for our incredible third-sector delivery heroes.”
