Cycling in Sandwell Strategy

Cycling in Sandwell is a forum group made up of 190 residents and 19 local organisations. The group in association with Local Agenda 21, wrote ‘Cycling in Sandwell: The Strategy’. It aims to create conditions, which will make cycling a much more popular, safe and convenient way of getting about in and around the borough. This document has been adopted by Sandwell MBC’s Transportation Planning Department, which is constantly developing Sandwell’s cycle network. There are a number of on-road and off-road cycle routes within Sandwell.

For a copy of ‘Cycling In Sandwell:
The Strategy’ please contact:Tel: 0121-569 4001
Email: sustainable@sandwell.gov.uk

Cycling Safety Hints & Tips

• Always obey traffic signs and signals.
• Never ride up the inside of any large vehicle. The driver will not see you when pulling into the kerb or turning left.• Use clear arm signals.
• Use clear arm signals.
• Make eye contact with other road users wherever possible.
• Never cycle on the pavement unless signs clearly show that it is allowed.
• Wear a helmet to minimise the risk of head injuries.
• Fit lights and use them after dark and when daytime visibility is poor.
• Fit a bell to warn pedestrians, but remember that some people have
  impaired hearing & sight.
• Always carry tools and a spare inner tube.

Health benifits

• Cycling improves the functioning of the heart and greatly reduces the risk of heart disease.
• It can also lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
  Regular exercise has been shown to increase HDL (“good” cholesterol) and reduce the amount of triglycerides (“bad” cholesterol) in the blood.
• Cycling boosts lung capacity and cyclists breathe in fewer fumes and lower levels of traffic pollutants then motorists.
• Cycling can be beneficial to mental health, as it can relieve stress, mild depression and sleeping disorders.
• A 15-minute bike ride to and from work five times a week burns off the equivalent of 11 pounds of fat in a year.
• Riding a bike on a regular basis can reduce the risk of Type II diabetes
  and some forms of cancer.

Advanced Stop Lines

These are safety features for cyclists, which can be found at some traffic lights in Sandwell. They consist of a green area with cycle markings and a cycle lane, which enables cyclists to get in front of the queue at a red light. Drivers and motorcyclists are not allowed to enter the green area when the light is on red.

Toucan Crossings

A Toucan Crossing is an unsegregated light controlled crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. It is operated just like a light controlled pedestrian crossing but is wider and the lights display a green man and a green bike.

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