A38 Extension Petition

Submitted by Robert on

A38 cycleway painted cycle lanes are not safe

The Conservative Birmingham Northfield MP Gray Sambrook has distributed in one of his "Local Champion" newsletters an article (reproduced below) strongly implying that a southward extension of the A38 protected cycleway is being funded by Birmingham City Council, but it is in fact being funded by the government. The extension will be an upgrade to existing narrow painted lanes, which are totally unacceptable on a busy multi-lane arterial route, particularly given there is so much space to do a proper job. If the money is not spent on this project, it has to be sent back.

The upgraded route will directly link Longbridge, Northfield, Allens Cross, Weoley Hill, Bournville to Selly Oak, University of Birmingham, QE Hospital, Edgbaston, and City Centre. The Rea Valley leisure route (National Cycle Route 5), which is what Sambrook thinks is a far better option, doesn’t go to these places.

The A38 project will also link into surrounding communities through Merritts Brook Greenway, and the growing network of cycle lanes to Moseley, Small Heath, Yardley, Birmingham Airport, Dudley Road, Soho, Smethwick, Lozells, Perry Barr, Rea Valley Route, Harborne Walkway, and Bournbrook Greenway by 2027.

We know that 61% of people in the West Midlands would like to cycle more. In the same polling, 62% said that access to separated cycle routes along roads would enable them to cycle more.

We support the A38 cycleway extension to Northfield and Longbridge and demand that elected representatives stop spreading misinformation and works towards getting it built.

What journeys will this upgrade enable for you? Let us know when you sign the petition.

Tags: 

Sambrook Newsletter Article on A38 Cycleway Extension

Sambrook newsletter article on A38 cycleway extension
Text of article by Gary Sambrook, Conservative MP for Birmingham Northfield: “Residents will remember the crazy bus lane the council installed on Bristol Road South, which they then later removed at significant cost! Bankrupt Birmingham City Council have recently informed local MP Gary Sambrook that they are now planning to push ahead with a new cycle lane along A38, extending the Selly Oak and Edgbaston route through Northfield and into Longbridge. This will create 6km (sic) of new segregated cycle lanes and cost around £10m. The Council intend to appoint a consultant next year to start the consultation stage of the cycle lane. Gary Sambrook MP said "The Council are currently threatening to axe local services due to them being effectively bankrupt and now they want to spend £10 million on a cycle lane on Bristol Road. Residents will know that we fought off a campaign several years ago to impose a cycle and bus lane on the A38 which had no meaningful consultation at the time. This time the Council would like to segregate the cycle lane from the road, but this will mean taking up space in the central reservation or on the pavement. I'd much prefer the Council to spend the money on improving the Rea Valley Cycle Route, as well as essential services. I'll do my best to make sure people are involved."”. Fact check: the money will come from central government, and will be withdrawn if not spent on this project.

Tags: 

A38 cycleway