£3million programme of work to further improve cycle routes along canals in Birmingham are set for approval by the city council’s Cabinet on November 17. The scheme, part of the wider Birmingham Cycle Revolution initiative, covers sections of five canals across the city – and follows two earlier phases of canal works, approved in December 2013 and May 2015 (worth a combined £8.175million).
Construction work will be delivered for the council by the Canal and River Trust, which will then become responsible for future maintenance of the sections of canal involved.
Cllr Lisa Trickett, Cabinet Member for Sustainability at Birmingham City Council, said: “This latest package of work will enable us to complete our vision for a revamped canal cycle network in Birmingham.
“Canal routes offer a great way to get around the city by bike, and will link up to improved green off-road routes through our parks and improved on-road routes which will be developed in the future.
“Through the Birmingham Cycle Revolution initiative, we are making every effort to improve sustainable transport options – these routes will play a key part in that plan.”
Cllr Tahir Ali, Cabinet Member for Development, Transport and the Economy, added: “The ‘Birmingham Connected’ transport strategy, is all about ensuring as many sustainable modes of transport as possible are available, so people can get from A to B in the most effective way.
“Upgraded canal routes for cyclists will enhance the transport network in Birmingham – offering further options and alternatives to the improvements already being delivered through the Birmingham Cycle Revolution programme.”
