Boost for Commonwealth Games velodrome campaigners
Commonwealth Games campaigners have been handed a boost in a bid for an indoor velodrome as plans for a feasibility study into cycling facilities across the West Midlands is revealed.
Birmingham City Council and governing body British Cycling have held talks about ways to develop cycling in the region as they look to capitalise on the 2022 games.
It is hoped building an indoor velodrome will be among the aspects considered as part of the wide ranging study.
Campaigners had been lobbying for the facility to be created to be used for track cycling at the games.
But games organisers have committed to holding events 130 miles away at the London Olympic velodrome.
More than 5,600 people signed a petition demanding that a velodrome is still created in the West Midlands as a legacy of the games to be used by local clubs and to boost participation.
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Campaigners plan to formally handover the petition to Birmingham City Council bosses in the near future.
David Viner, who is chairman of Halesowen Cycling Club, is among a group leading the calls.
Today he welcomed the talks and hoped further details would emerge as they progress.
He said: “It is very good to know a proper feasibility study is being arranged by British Cycling.
"We are sure the feasibility study will prove there is a very credible business case for the velodrome arena and that it would be extremely used not just by cyclists but by other sports within the track centre including sports for disabled and sight impaired sportsmen and women.
"Thank you to everyone for signing the petition, change.org velodrome Birmingham which we hope to handover soon.”
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “We have had some constructive outline discussions about how to determine future cycling provision in the city and wider region.
"Only when national strategies are finalised will we be in a position to work with partner organisations to look at any detailed local plans.”
In a statement a British Cycling spokesperson said: "British Cycling are committed to developing opportunities for cycling across the nation and as part of this commitment are working with Birmingham City Council and other stakeholders to develop cycling in the West Midlands.
"A discussion took place between Birmingham City Council and British Cycling, the outcome of which is that the partners will commission a feasibility study which will look at the overall cycling facility needs of Birmingham to better understand the city’s priorities."
The road cycling World Championships is being held in Yorkshire this year and a £15 million funding pot to boost local community cycling facilities has been confirmed by Government.
British Cycling is working in partnership with Sport England and the Government to select projects to received cash. Funding applications are being invited to bid for a portion of the money available.
British Cycling added: "There are three key objectives through the programme - Inspiring people to ride, connecting the community, build a lasting legacy – which will inform prioritisation of investment.
"Funding requests can from £1,000 upwards, though it is anticipated that funding awards in excess of £500,000 will only be made in exceptional circumstances.
"Any applications seeking large-scale requests will need to evidence the strategic need for their project within the local area."
A 4,000-seater swimming complex in Smethwick is the only new structure scheduled to be built ahead of the Games, which are expected to cost in the region of £750million.
Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, the venue for track and field events, will also be expanded and renovated.
