£30 Million Investment to Enhance Safer Walking and Cycling Routes Across the West Midlands

The West Midlands is set to receive over £30 million to enhance the safety and accessibility of walking and cycling routes throughout the region. Active Travel England has allocated £36,009,295 to the West Midlands Combined Authority to develop new paths and implement initiatives such as School Streets and Bikeability, encouraging more residents to choose active travel for their daily trips.

The West Midlands Combined Authority earned a prestigious ‘capability rating’ of three—the second highest possible—recognizing its exceptional ability to plan, organise, and deliver active travel projects. It is the only authority in the wider West Midlands to achieve this distinguished score.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising active travel as part of his ‘Journeys for Everyone’ agenda and the forthcoming Local Transport Plan. He stated, “This additional funding and our high rating reflect great confidence in our capacity to deliver effective active travel solutions. We will use these resources to create more cycle lanes, improved road crossings, and enhanced pathways, making it safer and easier for everyone to walk and cycle, especially for short journeys such as the school run or local shopping.”

Mayor Parker also highlighted how investing in active travel is key to reducing congestion, improving air quality, and fostering healthier communities.

Earlier this year, the Mayor appointed Beccy Marston as the West Midlands Active Travel Commissioner. Marston collaborates with local councils, organisations, and communities to increase walking and cycling participation. She commented, “This funding enables us to further improve the safety and accessibility of walking, wheeling, and cycling across our communities. The retention of our capability rating reflects the dedication of our regional officers and political leaders. We will continue to build a connected and safe network that supports independent travel for young people and encourages healthy choices for short trips, integrating physical activity into daily life.”

National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman emphasized the broader vision of Active Travel England: “Our goal is to provide people with everyday travel choices by creating safe, welcoming streets. Our innovative funding model continuously elevates local authorities’ capacity to deliver high-quality schemes. This year, nine authorities improved their capability ratings, demonstrating what can be achieved with targeted investment and support tailored to local needs. We are not just constructing infrastructure; we are building vibrant communities where parents trust their children to travel independently and older adults can easily access local amenities. Together, we are revitalising our streets and enhancing quality of life.”