Cycling and walking measures to be introduced across the West Midlands
Cycle lanes, wider pavements and bike share schemes will be introduced across the West Midlands amid the coronavirus crisis.
Leaders have said the measures were "absolutely necessary" as more people cycle and walk to work as lockdown restrictions ease.
It comes as chiefs urge people to avoid public transport – with £17.2 million of Government cash set aside for improvements.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "There has been a significant shift towards cycling and walking following the outbreak of the coronavrius pandemic, and it is important we as a region do everything we can to support this shift.
"By working alongside local authorities, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) will help deliver a range of pop-up cycle lanes, road re-allocations, and pavement widening schemes, as part of the Government’s £17m active travel fund.
"There are significant environmental and health benefits that come with cycling and walking, but we understand safety fears are a barrier for many people – particularly when it comes to cycling.
"That is why we are looking to create these pop-up lanes and improved crossings to give people that assurance and confidence they need to get out on two wheels."
It comes as part of the Big Summer of Cycling and Walking campaign to encourage people to cycle or walk – with £3.4 million from the cash boost being used for immediate changes.
Measures in the Black Country include road closures in Wolverhampton city centre, creating more space for pedestrians in Smethwick, suspension of parking bays and crossing upgrades in Walsall.
And chiefs at TfWM, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), said cycle stations will be introduced in key areas of Dudley with pedestrian safety improved in town centres and near schools.
A total of £23 million has already been earmarked for projects to create or boost cycle routes in the region through the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.
Councillor Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio holder for transport, said: "We already have hundreds of miles of safe cycle routes across the region and I would urge people to make good use of them, it is not only important as the lockdown continues, but it is healthy and great fun too.
"Councils across the region are looking for ways we can take action quickly to promote active travel.
"Already in Birmingham we have suspended on street car parking and widened pavements in Kings Heath and Erdington high streets to give shoppers extra space to walk."
