Consultation call on better Black Country cycling & walking routes
Published: Friday 09 Sep 2016
A consultation has opened on the Black Country Cycling & Walking Strategy and Implementation Plan, commissioned by the four Black Country local authorities of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, together with Transport for West Midlands, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
The draft Strategy and Implementation Plan sets out plans for major infrastructure improvements, the main points of which are captured in an accompanying Executive Summary.
The aim is to promote more active travel and in response to the growing awareness of the associated health, environmental and economic benefits and increased interest in cycling at both a national and local level.
Cllr Judith Rowley, WMCA lead for fair and safe transport, with TfWM cycling development officer Emma Beech at the Priestfield cycle route in Wolverhampton.
Now they are asking people to comment on the strategy via a survey.
The strategy outlines a number of key priorities for transforming cycling and walking in the Black Country, along with a prioritised investment plan along key routes.
It follows the key principles of the wider West Midlands Cycling Charter, which aims to raise levels of cycling to 5% of all trips.
Cllr Judith Rowley, lead member for fair and safe travel on the WMCA's transport delivery committee, said: We're aiming for a joined up approach to increase walking and cycling levels across the Black Country and the wider West Midlands and we need to know what people think.
This builds on recent local investment in cycle lanes, walking facilities and successful initiatives such as Managing Short Trips and the Smart Network, Smarter Choices programme.
Our vision is to realise the full potential of cycling and walking's contribution to the health and wealth of the Black Country - creating more sustainable suburbs, towns and cities that are healthier, safer and more desirable places to live, work and learn.
I hope people will take the opportunity to have their say
Anyone can take part and their views will be carefully considered.
The survey closes at 5pm on Sunday 16th October.