The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is to commission an independent study to examine the business case for specialist cycling facilities that will be open and accessible to everyone who lives in the region.
The scope of the evidence-based business case will be broad and consider all potential options. They include:
A Cycling Facility Advisory Group has been established to oversee the work. It is chaired by the West Midlands Cycling and Walking Commissioner Adam Tranter and made up of local authorities, Sport England, British Cycling and community representatives, including David Viner, who has been leading the campaign to get a competition-standard velodrome built in the region.
The group will consider the study’s findings and share its recommendations with the WMCA later this year.
If the case is made for specialist cycling facilities, separate site feasibility studies and external funding will be required to bring any proposals forward.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “There has been a lot of campaigning on this issue for a number of years and in my manifesto, I put on record my support for a velodrome here in the West Midlands.
"Following on from the success of the Birmingham 20022 Commonwealth Games, this is another example of an enduring sport legacy in the region. If the business case is supportive, we will fully commit to the process of finally realising cycling facilities that will be open, inclusive, and accessible to the community, not just to grow and support the region's sporting talent.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, during a visit to Manor Abbey Stadium in Halesowen in 2021.
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director of place for Sport England, said: “Our strategy, Uniting the Movement, makes our focus clear – we want to tackle inequalities in activity levels and provide opportunities for all communities to be active, especially those who face the most barriers to activity.
“Cycling is a free and fantastic way for people of all ages and backgrounds to be active and we are working hard with organisations and partners across the country to develop local cycling opportunities. We are looking forward to being involved with this study and to seeing the findings that emerge.”
Adam Tranter, West Midlands Cycling and Walking Commissioner, said: “We want to take a hard look at the cycling facilities opportunities for the region post-Commonwealth Games. This is not just looking at a facility for elite use; there’s a potential to create a venue for everyone, a facility that is truly inclusive and accessible in design and in its delivery. I am pleased to convene all the major stakeholders on behalf of the Mayor, especially community representatives on board to inform this work and help us make the future decisions.”
