Type=image;ImageID=8786;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Hugh Porter, local resident and champion cyclist;TitleClass=strong;
The project will be paid for with money from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Local Growth Fund.
It kick starts Wolverhampton's 20 year Active Travel Strategy, which was last night (Wednesday 13 January) approved by Cabinet.
The council's transportation service is now progressing design and development of a city wide network of cycling and walking routes.
Councillor Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets, said: "The Active Travel Strategy is built around a vision for Wolverhampton to become a city where active travel modes become the preferred choice, supported by a connected network of high quality and inviting cycle routes and walkways.
"The scheme at St George's Parade is exactly what we are looking for and provides obvious health and environmental benefits.
"Concern about obesity has grown on the national and local agenda, and Wolverhampton put out a Call to Action to residents, businesses and other organisations to come together and try to tackle the problem. The role inactive lifestyles play in obesity has prompted interest in promoting active travel as a means to addressing this."
St George's Parade offers a potential valuable strategic link for cycling between the city centre and the Royal Hospital development site via the toucan crossing on the ring road.
It will introduce a dedicated 2 way cycle route located between the footpath and the vehicle carriageway - and raised to the level of the footpath.
The proposed route will connect to cycling facilities in Garrick Street, and will complement improvements planned in Bilston Street as part of the Metro Extension.
The Active Travel Strategy was produced through funding from the Public Health Transformation Fund (PHTF), supplemented by a contribution from the Local Sustainable Travel Fund (LSTF).
It seeks to influence the well being of all residents and demographic information has been used to identify 3 specific target markets - the 'near' market, 'hard to reach' groups, and children and disabled people.
Wolverhampton is also engaged with the other Black Country authorities in the Managing Short Trips programme, to develop the pedestrian and cycling network using both canal towpaths and on road schemes.
A pipeline of schemes is being prepared working with partners such as the University of Wolverhampton so as further Local Growth Fund opportunities become available a successful submission can be developed and tailored according to the requirements of the fund.
To support marketing and promotion Hugh Porter, local resident and champion cyclist, has agreed to act as the Active Travel Champion for Wolverhampton.
- released: Thursday 14 January, 2016