Wolverhampton cycle lane target success

More than 24 kilometres of new cycle routes have been installed in the city in the last three years, with more in the pipeline.

The target within the city's corporate plan was 12 kilometres to be installed.

The council hopes that by installing the paths, it will encourage more people to test their pedal power and get out and about on their bikes.

The projects to install the paths – totalling more than £3 million - have been fully funded by grants from central government via the Local Sustainable Transport Fund and from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership via Managing Short Trips funding.

Cabinet member for city environment, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “Our Active Travel Strategy is built around a vision for Wolverhampton to become a city where active travel modes become the preferred choice, supported by a connected network of high quality and inviting cycle routes and walkways.

“Cycling provides obvious health and environmental benefits and these outstanding figures show how committed we are as a council to improving the city’s network.

“Last year we put in place a 20-year Active Travel Strategy and, as part of this, a pipeline of cycle route schemes has been established.”

Major schemes in the last three years include the Wolverhampton Science Park to i54 route on the Stafford Road, stretches on the Ring Road, city centre to Bilston routes, and improvements to canal towpaths.

Plans include the development of new routes along Birmingham Road and Willenhall Road, as well as the Wyrley & Essington Canal to New Cross and Bentley Bridge, and along the Smestow Valley.

City of Wolverhampton council has also recently become the first organisation in the city to be awarded Top Cycling Location Platinum status by Transport for the West Midlands.

The Civic Centre has been handed the honour through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund project – Smart Network Smarter Choices – for the work it does to promote cycling and walking among its employees.