Plans to get more people in the West Midlands cycling as part of the legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has been given a £2 million boost from the Department for Transport. The aim of Cycling for Everyone is to work with communities across the region’s most disadvantaged areas to encourage and enable more people to get on a bike to improve both their health and the environment, as well as providing access to employment and education. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), will now work with partners to develop Cycling for Everyone projects and activities ready to roll out ahead of next year’s Games and linking to the broader Birmingham 2022 Physical Activity & Wellbeing legacy. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to secure more cash from the Government to help promote cycling across the West Midlands. We know that cycling is great for people’s physical health and of course for reducing air pollution as we tackle the climate emergency.” Cycling for Everyone will take action to address barriers to cycling such as not knowing how to cycle, low confidence, access to pedal cycles and knowing others who cycle. Activity could include cycle training, led rides, community hubs or clubs, free or subsidised pedal cycles, travel support for businesses, schools and communities, encouraging people-powered health. Read the full story here
