Road closures confirmed for Birmingham Velo charity ride
Extensive road closures will be in place next month as the controversial Velo Birmingham cycling route was confirmed.
Some 15,000 cyclists will tackle a 100-mile route through the Black Country, Staffordshire and Worcestershire on September 24.
Event bosses have confirmed complete road closures will be in place along the route at different times as the cyclists make their way around the region.
The planned road closures were met with a backlash from traders who run businesses along the route who were concerned they would lose money on the day.
South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson also waded into the row and called for the Velo to be held elsewhere.
But councils across the region have held firm and insisted the road closures will go ahead as planned.
The Velo is the biggest charity bike ride to ever pass through the Black Country and Staffordshire and will aim to raise more than £1 million for charity.
Money will be raised for a number of causes, including Alzheimer’s Society, NSPCC, Cure Leukaemia and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity.
Concerned traders have been advised to visit www.velobirmingham.com/the-route/road-closures for information on when roads will shut during the day.
The event will start and finish in Broad Street, Birmingham, passing through Sandwell, Dudley, Lower Penn in Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire and Worcestershire.
More than 250,000 letters have been issued to residents and businesses along the route.
Jon Ridgeon, executive chairman of Vélo Birmingham organisers CSM Active, said: “We’re delighted to confirm full details of Vélo Birmingham’s updated route, which I’m sure will further whet the appetite of the 15,000 cyclists gearing up to take part.
"The route is truly spectacular and it is great to hear that so many of our participants will be riding to fundraise for a range of extremely worthwhile causes.
"I would like to thank all our local authority partners for their continuing commitment and support.”
Councillor Karen Shakespeare, environment boss at Dudley Council, said: “This is the first race of its kind to come to the Midlands and is a fantastic opportunity for keen cyclists from across the country to see the best of our region while raising thousands of pounds for worthy charities.
"I hope residents will come out to show their support for the 15,000 cyclists taking part as they pass through the borough.”
