Dudley parks cycling ban is to go after 36 years

A council by-law currently prohibits cycling in any of the council's 18 parks and public open spaces in the borough.

But council bosses say they now want to permit cycling at all of the sites following a successful trial, which saw the ban removed in five parks.

For 12 months cycling was allowed at the borough's five Healthy Hub sites – Mary Stevens Park, Huntingtree Park, Silver Jubilee Park and Netherton Park and the Dell Stadium, Pensnett.

The ban was temporarily relaxed and signs denoting a Cyclists Code of Conduct were installed at park entrances.

There had been concerns about the potential risk to pedestrians and the dangerous behaviour of some cyclists.

Council bosses said during the period to April 2012, no incidents relating to the cycling were recorded in any of the parks.

There have been no problems reported since then despite visitor numbers to the sites increasing. Although under the 1977 by-law people could face prosecution for flouting the rule, the authority says it has never actively prohibited cycling in parks.

Cabinet member for environment and culture, Councillor Tracy Wood said: "The promotion of cycling in parks and council managed public open spaces will increase the opportunity for cycling for all residents and in particular provide better opportunities for young people to learn to cycle in a safe environment."

She added that the decision would allow the planning and provision of more cycling in safe off-road venues.

The Healthy Hubs were created after the council was awarded £4.5m. Each of the parks have fitness equipment.

A final decision on the proposals will be made on January 3.