TfWM among highest rated local authorities for cycling and walking
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, which is 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 initiatives both within TfWM and the WMCA and council partners in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
This is with the aim of making it easier and safer for more people cycle and walk as a healthier and more environmentally sustainable option for transport. The ambitions of the region were highlighted through the #WMCA2041 plan to tackle climate change, improve health and reduce carbon emissions.
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. We are very happy with our current ranking and 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 highlights both our proven track record for delivery of purpose-built schemes across the West Midlands area; as well as our appetite for growing active travel across the region as a transport option 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. We are mindful that moving forward we must continue to be ambitious and work collaboratively to successfully deliver schemes that enable more residents to walk, wheel and cycle across the region. ”
To secure the rating Active Travel England asked local transport authorities to grade themselves, with supporting evidence, in three areas: local leadership, plans and delivery record. An expert assessment panel then considered the evidence.
The highest rating available is rating four, which denotes a council with significant local leadership, ambition, and capability to deliver - but the top rank awarded was tier three.