Transport officials have been called upon to ensure that the new cycle route along a notorious stretch of the A45 in Birmingham is both safe and practical for users.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Investment Board has approved a £12.8 million budget for the second phase of the A45 Coventry Road Cycle Route project. This stage will focus on improvements for walkers and cyclists between Oldknow Road and Swan Island, building upon Phase 1, which extends from Bordesley Circus to Oldknow Road.
A report presented to the board highlighted the concerning safety record on this section of the A45, citing six fatalities, 21 serious injuries, and 113 slight injuries over the past five years.
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At the meeting on Monday 21 September, Birmingham councillor Chris Garghan expressed support for the scheme but shared concerns raised by community groups. He emphasised the importance of not just constructing the route but making it genuinely usable. “The worst case is you have a cycle route that is put in and nobody uses it because it’s more inconvenient than just riding on the roads or people don’t feel it’s safe,” he warned.
Councillor Garghan further noted that Phase 1 had some design flaws, including pinch points and connectivity issues. He questioned how the authorities plan to ensure seamless connections between all phases to create a continuous, usable cycle route rather than disjointed segments.
Jason Griffin, Head of Transport Projects at Birmingham City Council, stated that efforts are underway to guarantee full connectivity across the entire route. The project aims to support cycling and walking, as well as provide convenient links to public transport.
Concerns were also voiced by Sandwell Council leader Ray Nock regarding the potential impact of the cycle lane on transport costs for local businesses, along with possible increases in traffic congestion and pollution. In response, Mr Griffin clarified that no reduction in lane numbers is planned; instead, the carriageway width will be reduced. Although 12 car parking spaces will be lost, alternative arrangements are being explored within the community to minimise disruption to businesses.
Stephen Simkins, chair of the WMCA Investment Board and leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, highlighted the positive aspects of the scheme. He suggested the improvements would encourage more pedestrians to visit local shops and help boost the area. “There is a lot of bad press about cycle lanes. This increases safety measures. That’s the central point to this – safety,” he said. He added that the scheme is a necessary response to numerous incidents in the West Midlands caused by speeding and inconsiderate drivers, aiming to enhance public safety and promote active travel.
A public consultation held by Birmingham City Council last year revealed that 68 per cent of respondents were opposed to the cycle route proposals. Nevertheless, the council maintained that the scheme would lower the incidence of collisions, encourage more walking and cycling, and provide additional benefits such as upgraded pedestrian and cycle crossings, more cycle parking facilities, and new rest areas.
The project reflects ongoing efforts to create safer, more accessible routes for active travel along one of Birmingham’s most hazardous roads.