Dudley Council’s cabinet is set to approve a transformative plan aimed at enhancing walking and cycling routes across the borough, as part of a wider Black Country initiative.
The Black Country Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling Plan, developed in collaboration with Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton councils, seeks to promote active travel and support the region’s carbon neutrality goals.
The proposal, which will be discussed at a council meeting on Wednesday, outlines the development of nine new cycle routes and three designated walking zones across the area.
According to a council report, the majority of funding for these projects is expected to come from external grants.
Proposed Walking and Cycling Routes
The ambitious plan includes the following routes:
- Himley to Stourbridge
- Brierley Hill to Cradley Heath
- Dudley to Cradley Heath
- A4101 Pensnett to Dudley town centre
- Pensnett to Upper Gornal
- Smestow Valley Leisure Route
- A458 to Woodgate Valley
- Stourbridge to Halesowen
- Hagley to M5 junction three
- DY5 Enterprise Zone and Brierley Hill
- Stourbridge Interchange/Stourbridge Junction/Town Centre
- Kingswinford
A Step Towards Carbon Neutrality
Councillor Damian Corfield emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that it will play a crucial role in the borough’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2041.
He highlighted that transport is currently the largest contributor to carbon emissions in the area, and the promotion of walking and cycling is a vital step towards reducing the town’s environmental footprint.
“The Black Country Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling Plan will not only help us meet our carbon neutrality targets but also encourage healthier lifestyles and improve connectivity across the region,” said Councillor Corfield.
Boosting Active Travel and Connectivity
The plan aligns with the government’s broader agenda of promoting active travel to reduce reliance on cars, ease congestion, and improve air quality.
The new routes aim to provide safer and more accessible infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, fostering an environment that encourages people to opt for sustainable travel options.
Local residents and advocacy groups have largely welcomed the proposal, viewing it as a positive step toward making cycling and walking more viable transport alternatives.
However, some have raised concerns about the need for proper maintenance of the new pathways and ensuring they are adequately integrated with existing public transport networks.
Council’s Decision Expected Soon
The plan will be formally reviewed during the council cabinet meeting on Wednesday, where councillors are expected to give their approval. If passed, work on the routes could begin soon, pending funding allocations and detailed planning.
Dudley Council, along with its regional counterparts, remains committed to implementing infrastructure that supports a sustainable and healthier future for its residents.
As the town moves closer to realizing these ambitious plans, stakeholders will be keenly watching to see how these developments unfold in the coming years.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
