Cycling facilities falling short, says campaign group

Cycling facilities in the West Midlands have fallen behind other UK regions scoring below the national average of 63, according to a bicycle campaign group.

Of the regions rated over the first six months of 2025, Greater London came top with an overall score of 70, while the West Midlands came last with an average score of 50.

People For Bikes said that of the 107 cities rated, Warwick came top across the region, scoring 61 out of 100 for its city cycle routes, protected bike lanes and low-speed limits. Birmingham and Sandwell came second with 54.

Birmingham councillor Majid Mahmood said, while it was good news the UK's second city scored high in the region, more needed to be done.

"The Birmingham Transport Plan's ambition is to make cycling a regular mode of travel, which is why we are creating more cycle lanes, making our roads safer with lower speed limits and equipping young people with cycling skills through Bikeability training," Mr Mahmood said.

Coventry came third with a score of 49, while Wolverhampton placed fourth with 47, while the three worst performing locations within the region are Walsall, Dudley and Solihull, with scores of 46, 44 and 41 respectively.

The region was recently awarded £21m through the Active Travel Fund.

Mayor Richard Parker had appointed a Road Safety Commissioner and an Active Travel Commissioner - tasked with reducing road deaths and making cycling, walking and wheeling more attractive options.

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