Calls for new bike route to better link the Black Country to West Midlands
A councillor has called for a bike network which would link the main towns in the Black Country with the rest of the West Midlands.
Walsall councillor Richard Worrall wants residents to put forward their ideas for which West Midlands cycling and walking routes need to be modernised – with the ultimate goal of cyclists being able to bike the whole region safely.
It comes after Transport for West Midlands announced it had received £3.4 million – the first grant from a total of £17.2 million of Government cash set aside for the region over the five years.
A number of projects are planned across the area to encourage more cycling and walking.
The Transport Delivery Committee (TDC) approved his notice of motion supporting TfWM’s bid for the Government cash earlier this week.
Councillor Worrall, who is vice-chair of the TDC, also produced a report looking into the condition of cycling routes and canal paths based on his own travel experiences.
He said it is vital the money is spent over the next five years to encourage greener and sustainable travel and create a fully-inclusive strategic cycling and walking network linking all major centres in the Black Country, Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry.
Councillor Worrall said he was now encouraging people to contact him with their feedback to ensure the best facilities are created with the rest of the money.
He said: “What I am really interested in is the remaining spend for the rest of the five years, so that we really do get a fit-for-purpose, fully inclusive and accessible and well-used network.
“I want to invite people, especially cyclists and walkers, to come up with their ideas for strategic routes in their area, and linking to adjoining areas, where possible using and linking existing paths on tow-paths, old rail lines and parks and green spaces.
“If we don’t come up with good schemes, then we shouldn’t moan if what we get isn’t very good, having left it to council highways officers and councillors who sometimes have no interest in, or are even hostile towards, the idea of a regional strategic cycling and walking network.
“If people out there on the ground to use their knowledge to come up with their suggestions for good routes, then I would want to feed these suggestions in to the relevant officers and elected members at the District Councils and the TfWM."
Councillor Worrall can be contacted by post to “Wrekin View”, 46 Winn House, Walsall, WS2 8NW, email richardvworrall@yahoo.com or phone 07522 215853.
