More than £12.5m set to be agreed for second phase of major Birmingham cycle lane
Phase 2 will see walking and cycling improvements on the A45 corridor between Oldknow Road and Swan Island.
More than £12.5 million funding is set to be agreed for the second phase of a major Birmingham cycle lane on a road death black spot.
Members of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Investment Board are expected to approve £12.8 million for the A45 Coventry Road Cycle Route project.
Phase 2 will see walking and cycling improvements on the A45 corridor between Oldknow Road and Swan Island, and aims to build upon the existing Phase 1 from Bordesley Circus to Oldknow Road.
A report to the board said the five-year personal injury collision record on this section of the A45 is “very poor” with six fatalities, 21 serious and 113 slight injuries recorded.
When Birmingham City Council held a public consultation on the cycle route plans last year, 68 per cent of respondents said they “really disliked” the proposals.
Concerns raised during the consultation included existing issues with parking and delays to journey times by private vehicle.
But the then-Labour run authority said the scheme would reduce collisions, increase active travel and bring other benefits such as upgraded pedestrian and cycle crossings; additional cycle parking; and more places to sit and relax.
Bosses also said the respondents consisted of 172 opposed, 50 neutral and 66 supportive.
The report to committee, which meets on September 21, said facilities including upgraded signal-controlled crossings and carriageway narrowing measures will “help reduce vehicle speeds and conflict between road users”.
It also said: “There are relatively high levels of deprivation across East Birmingham, with Birmingham itself the 7th most deprived local authority out of England’s 317 authorities.
“The study area for this project sits within the 1st and 2nd most deprived deciles, meaning these are some of the most deprived neighbourhoods nationally.
“Low-income households disproportionately do not have access to a vehicle due to the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle.
“Connectivity and accessibility are central to the project, which will strengthen links between Yardley, Small Heath and Bordesley Green and Birmingham city centre.
“By improving the quality, continuity and legibility of walking and cycling routes, the scheme will provide a safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable alternative to car travel, particularly benefiting communities on lower incomes who may be more reliant on active modes.
“By delivering a high-quality active travel connection to employment, services and the city centre, the scheme supports inclusive economic growth, improves access to opportunity and encourages a shift towards healthier and more sustainable transport choices.”
Future extensions of the A45 cycle route include Phase 3 between Swan Island and the Wheatsheaf junction and Phase 4, which will be delivered by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, extending to Birmingham Airport.