ACTIVE Travel England has placed Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) among its top ranked local authorities for delivering and promoting cycling, wheeling and walking schemes.
It is one of just five local authorities to secure a tier three rating following a self-assessment of its work during 2022, validated by the Department for Transport.
TfWM, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), has worked with partners to deliver a range of cycling and walking infrastructure such as new cycleways in Binley, Coventry, school streets in the Black Country and new pedestrian crossings in Solihull.
The rating also recognised strong leadership support for active travel schemes both within TfWM and the WMCA and council partners in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “It’s wonderful to see how the region’s cycling and walking infrastructure is receiving such a high accolade of recognition not just in terms of what has been delivered to date but also to verify our future ambitions for an inclusive active travel network.
“We felt the benefits of cycling during the height of the Commonwealth Games 2022, where our cycle hire customers travelled distances equivalent to almost twice round the world – demonstrating a real appetite.”
He added everyone was very happy with the current ranking and planned to make further progress in the months and years ahead.
Adam Tranter, the West Midlands Cycling and Walking Commissioner, added being one of the highest-ranked local authorities for active travel highlighted both the region’s proven track record for delivery of purpose-built schemes and its appetite for growing active travel options for everyday trips.
“We cannot rest on our laurels, despite the vote of confidence from Active Travel England, we are still at the start of what will be a challenging but important journey.”
