Cycling
Got a bike that needs a repair or service? You can apply for a free fix your bike voucher up to the value of £50 to get your bike fixed at local participating bike shops
Exercising while social distancing
A guide on how to fit cycling, walking or running in your day
On 23 March 2020, UK went on lock down to slow the spread of COVID-19 - announcing everyone must now stay at home, except in exceptional circumstances. People were encouraged to be physically active during this time whilst maintaining social distancing:
• Being active within the confines of your own home / garden
• Exercising outside your home once a day by cycling, walking or running. This may be done alone or with members of your household only
Cycling can also save you time, as integrating cycling into every day activities, such as travelling to work means you don't have to set time aside to keep fit. A 15 minute bike ride to and from work five times a week can burn off the equivalent of 11 pounds of fat in a year.
Cycle hire is coming to Sandwell
Sandwell is part of the West Midlands Bikeshare scheme and will receive 300 hire bikes in approximately 30 locations throughout the borough.
We want your views
The walk and cycle Sandwell Facebook page is for pedestrians and cyclists that are interested in discussing their experiences both good and bad when travelling around the borough. This page is where you can air your views about walking and cycling infrastructure and let the council know where you are experiencing problems on your journey.
Sandwell Community Activity Network
As part of its drive to boost levels of physical activity, the council has introduced Community Activity Network Development Officers (CANDO) in each of Sandwell’s six towns.
NHS health benefits of cycling
Cycling infrastructure
If you live or work near Birmingham Mainline or Tame Valley Canal, you'll now be able to enjoy a green, traffic-free route to school, work or the shops. Canal towpath improvements have been made possible thanks to funding from the Local Growth Fund ‘Managing Short Trips Programme’ from the regions Growth Deal, which is delivered by Canals and Rivers Trust and overseen by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership. It is now possible to cycle traffic free from Wolverhampton to Birmingham via Tipton, Oldbury and Smethwick on Birmingham Newline Canal and from Tamebridge to Birmingham via Hamstead on the Tame Valley Canal.
Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs), as set out in the Government’s Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, are a new, strategic approach to identifying cycling and walking improvements required at the local level. Sandwell adopted their LCWIP in February 2020 to prioritise a programme of infrastructure improvements for future investment.
Cycle routes have previously been developed in line with the Sandwell cycling strategy. We now have developing a Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and you can comment on this document in late spring 2019.
Cycling infrastructure supplementary planning guidance for new developments
Commuter cycling
To find the quietest, quickest or most recreational route to your destination plan your cycle route using a journey planner.
Parking Enforcement Policy approved July 2014
Safety tip for cyclists and drivers.
You can view the online Sandwell cycle route map or request a paper copy by:
Email: transport@sandwell.gov.uk
Telephone: 0121 569 4889
Have your say on the Black Country cycling and walking strategy and implementation plan
Report a problem on the network
Cycle training
Bikeability is cycling proficiency for the 21st century that gives you the skills and confidence to cycle in modern road conditions.
Sandwell's safer and sustainable travel team can provide Bikeability training in schools.
For anyone else wishing to access cycle training, please visit the Bikeright website and search for a course.
Cycle training is also offered by the Smethwick BTS Community Cycling Club which welcomes ladies that have never cycled before in their lives and helps them on the way to being confident to take part in led rides in the Sandwell Area.
Cycle security
Security mark, register and protect your bike for free
There are over 300,000 bikes stolen each year in the UK, don’t let yours be one of them.
Join the UK's police approved bicycle marking and free registration scheme to protect your bike from theft.
Leisure cycling
- Cycle hire and activities at Sandwell Valley
- Cycling along canal towpaths
- Sandwell Valley Trails Map