Expansion of city cycle lane network

A MIDLAND council is putting in the extra miles when it comes to delivering cycle routes as part of its active travel network.

Around 24 kilometres of new cycle routes have been developed across Wolverhampton over the past three years.

This is double the city’s corporate plan target and shows substantial progress in delivering the Black Country Core Strategy ambitions for cycling.

The projects, 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.

Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city environment Cllr 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.”

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.