Cycling and walking improvement work begins at the Pershore Road and Priory Road junction

Birmingham City Council is extending segregated cycle lanes and improving traffic-flow control to enhance the safety of cyclists and pedestrians at the Pershore Road and Priory Road junction.

Road space will be reallocated from general traffic to bicycles on Edgbaston Road, according to a key principle of Birmingham Transport Plan: encouraging more people to cycle and walk to improve personal and environmental health, as we work towards net zero carbon by 2030.

Construction work commences in the week commencing 8 November until summer 2022.

Birmingham City Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, Councillor Waseem Zaffar said:

Through our Walking and Cycling Strategy, Birmingham City Council is committed to developing a city that is great for walking and cycling by providing safe cycle lanes and crossings.

At the junction between the Pershore Road and Priory Road, we are creating a cycle link between Cannon Hill Park and the city centre which will connect to the popular Bristol Road and Rea Valley cycle routes, on the National Cycle Network.

Encouraging people to cycle and walk is a good way to cut down on short car journeys which is really important for our journey to net-zero carbon, so I am especially pleased to be announcing the commencement of these works during the week the UK hosts the UN Climate Conference, COP26.

Birmingham City Council is a leader in developing opportunities that deliver climate interventions within their communities.

New pedestrian crossings will be created on each of the four arms of the junction, and traffic lights will be upgraded to improve traffic flow during busy times.

Pedestrian access to bus stops will also be made easier at this busy interchange.

Cyclists will be protected by new segregated cycles lanes providing a physical barrier from general traffic.

Two new dedicated signal-controlled cycle crossings will also be installed on Pershore Road and Edgbaston Road.

The scheme is jointly funded by the Sustrans National Cycle Network Activation Programme and Birmingham City Council.

Director, Sustrans Midlands and East, Clare Maltby said: 

“Sustrans is delighted that work is starting to improve the road network for people who walk, scoot and cycle in Edgbaston on their journeys to work, school, local shops or when visiting the area to enjoy Cannon Hill Park or the cricket. 

As custodians of the National Cycle Network we are delighted to have secured funding from the Department of Transport to support this scheme.  

Linking up the excellent Rea Valley National Cycle Network route and the fantastic A38 cycle route will enable more people to choose sustainable transport modes and walk, scoot or cycle for every-day journeys. 

The Bike Life reports, which we produce, demonstrate that people in Birmingham want this sort of investment and that they know how important such schemes are to improve public and planet health whilst also reducing congestion and helping the economy in Birmingham to thrive.”