Development of a network of safe active travel routes across the West Midlands will be taken forward by Cycling & Walking Commissioner Adam Tranter, who was appointed to the newly created position by the region’s Mayor Andy Street this week.
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The move sees the West Midlands follow the example of London and Greater Manchester where commissioners Will Norman and Chris Boardman respectively are responsible for active travel strategy.
Adam Tranter previously volunteered as Bicycle Mayor for Coventry and said a key aim in his new role will be to tackle car dependency.
“We saw during lockdown that vast numbers of people will cycle given the right environment to do it in; our goal has to be giving these people a genuine alternative to using a car for short journeys,” he said. “We can only do this by building high quality, direct and connected infrastructure.”
He is expected to work with stakeholders to plan and develop business cases for at least 10 major new cycle routes on the region’s ‘Starley’ network. He will also look to coordinate the work of councils on cycling and walking infrastructure and secure fresh investment for active travel from the Government.
Adam added: “Congestion really drags down our region’s health and prosperity; cities that have embraced active travel have been rewarded with better air quality, less carbon emissions and happier citizens. I want the West Midlands to have these rewards too.”
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “The benefits of cycling and walking are clear, and I know Adam is the right person to help deliver on my promise to put active travel at the heart of our region’s transport plans.”
Also this week sub national transport body Midlands Connect has signed a “landmark” collaboration agreement with the Government which promises ‘open and constructive’ working between the two parties.
Midlands Connect commits to support the Department for Transport in tackling key challenges including freight, decarbonisation, rural connectivity and alternative fuels in the region. Meanwhile the Department will ensure the Midlands Connect Strategic Transport Plan is understood across Government in the context of national decision making.
“This is a landmark moment for Midlands Connect as we are the first transport body to sign this type of agreement with the Department for Transport,” said the group’s chief executive Maria Machancoses.
“It’s something we have worked tirelessly to get right and it will be the foundation of our relationship in the years ahead.”
(Photograph: Transport for West Midlands)
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