Push to get more people travelling to work by bike.

SOLIHULL Chamber of Commerce hopes that a set of surprising cycling statistics will persuade more people to bike to work.

The chamber is working alongside Solihull Council to encourage businesses in the north of the borough to take advantage of travelling on two wheels.

Over 10 per cent of commuters in North Solihull already walk or cycle to work, often because they don’t have access to a car.

But now construction is complete on 13km of new cycle routes, the local authority will be hoping to persuade people who would normally drive to leave the car at home.

A new leaflet emphasises the benefits of bikes to health and the environment, but also tries to tackle the popular view that riding to work is inconvenient.

It’s part of efforts by the council to try to increase awareness of the recently created North Solihull Strategic Cycle Network. The project is at the centre of ongoing efforts to improve safety and journey times for cyclists.

Recruiting some of the area’s biggest employers is the first step to ensuring the new routes, which begin in Castle Bromwich and will link to existing cycle paths at the NEC, are well-used.

Following the completion of previous cycle schemes, the council has had to answer accusations that, despite many months' effort putting in the provision, the paths are seldom used.

Councillor David Jamieson (Lab, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) said last year that the best way to answer these critics was to ensure plenty of people take advantage of the latest project.

To find out more about the strategic cycle network, call 0121 704 6429 or email cyclenorthsolihull@solihull.gov.uk