Regeneration
Black Country plan to improve cycling and walking approved at Cabinet
Published on
A plan to identify and improve cycling and walking infrastructure across the Black Country (Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton) was approved at a meeting of Walsall Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 16 April 2025.
The Black Country Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Plan, produced by the Black Country local authorities will deliver a high-quality active travel network to Walsall residents and the wider Black Country over the next ten years in a shift towards more sustainable ways of transport.
The plan proposes a 135km network of high-quality active travel infrastructure, including footpaths, bike lanes, cycle parking, street lighting, benches, CCTV, ramp access and road crossings.
The plan identifies seven cycle routes and three core walking zones for development within Walsall Borough. It includes cycling routes such as Walsall Town Centre to Sandwell Valley Park (National Cycle Network Route 5), M6 Junction 10 to Walsall Town Centre and Pleck to Walsall Arboretum. Walking zones identified for development include Darlaston Town Centre to SPARK development site and Leamore, Bloxwich and Blakenall.
The plan supports the Council’s ambitions for a thriving, healthy and prosperous borough, enabling residents to choose active travel modes (such as cycling and walking), as well as enhancing connectivity and accessibility.
“ Our plan to create a high-quality network of cycling and walking routes and zones will transform active travel and connect Walsall and the Black Country. This will help us develop routes and zones based on demand and fill the gaps in the network, creating a comprehensive active travel infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and accessibility. “
“ This plan is designed to encourage residents to become more active and meet our ambitions to become a net zero carbon authority by 2050 by reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. We hope this will inspire residents to increase their activity levels, whether through a brisk walk or a bike ride. Regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing diseases and cancers in the long term. “
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- The full plan can be found on the Council’s Committee Management and Information Systems (CMIS) - WCC 1649 - 01/2025
- Papers for the Cabinet meeting and the link to watch back the live stream is also available on the Council’s Committee Management and Information Systems (CMIS).
- A case study video was shown at Cabinet as part of this on a Triathlon England funded initiative in Walsall delivered by Simple Steps, supporting over 100 women to learn to swim and cycle in Walsall. Watch on Vimeo.
