Council hails North Solihull scheme to assist cyclists

NORTH Solihull has become one of the first areas outside of London to create special crossings that include cycle lanes.
The set of five "parallel crossings" combine a traditional zebra crossing with a parallel cycle lane and have been installed in Windward Way, Arran Way and Green Lane.
The aim is to end any confusion among drivers about when to give way and will mean that riders no longer have to dismount.
Councillor Ted Richards, Solihull Council’s cabinet member for transport and highways, said: "Solihull Council is committed to making it easier for cyclists to use our roads for a whole host of reasons.
"We want to reduce congestion and air pollution and also encourage people to keep fit and healthy.
"The new parallel crossings will make these roads safer for cyclists and are an imaginative and cheap way to support cyclists in the town."
North Solihull has been at the forefront of efforts locally to encourage cycling, although some initiatives continue to divide opinion. Most notably, a cycle lane installed along the Chester Road is often attacked by critics for being little used and having contributed to significant congestion on the route.