Cycling
We want your views
We are excited to announce a new programme of cycling and walking schemes to be delivered in Sandwell and the West Midlands region. There are four new areas we have identified for improvements within Sandwell, and you can have your say by visiting:
https://sandwellwalking-and-cycling.commonplace.is/’.
Cycling to improve your health and fitness
A guide on how to fit cycling, walking or running in your day
Cycling can 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.
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 Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (SCWIP) was adopted in January 2020 to prioritise a programme of infrastructure improvements for future investment. West Midlands LCWIP
Cycle routes have previously been developed in line with the Sandwell cycling strategy, which has been replaced by Sandwell Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (SCWIP) in January 2020
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 here
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