Organisations rewarded for cycling and walking efforts
Lord Mayor Cllr Raymond Hassall (centre) with some of this year’s award winners.
Schools, colleges and businesses across the West Midlands have received recognition as being some of the most bike and pedestrian-friendly places in the region.
Eleven employers and nine educational establishments were awarded Top Cycling and Walking Location status for making it easier for staff or students to travel on foot or two wheels at a ceremony on 3 March 2016.
Since 2013, the project - which is part of Birmingham Cycle Revolution scheme - has awarded grants to 22 schools and colleges and 24 businesses to help meet the growing interest in cycling and demand for facilities.
The award scheme, a partnership between Birmingham City Council, public transport co-ordinator Centro, Sustrans and bike experts BikeRight! has seen 21 venues receive recognition for their efforts to get more people cycling and walking.
Among the latest winners announced at yesterday’s event were a number of high profile local employers including Amey, Aston University, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Midlands Arts Centre and nine city primary schools.
The awards were presented at an event held at Maple House, Corporation Street, in the city centre, after each organisation took part in Centro’s Smart Network, Smarter Choices project or Birmingham City Council’s Cycle Revolution scheme.
Cllr Lisa Trickett, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainability, said: “Congratulations to all the businesses, schools and organisations which received awards for their work in promoting cycling and walking, encouraging staff and students to embrace these greener modes of transport.
“I am also glad to see so many primary schools gaining recognition, as they may inspire to others to get involved and develop their own initiatives to get people of all ages cycling and walking in Birmingham.”
Each business or education site was handed gold, silver or bronze status based on how easy it is to cycle or walk to and from the venue.
All took part in detailed travel planning to help advise them on the transport options available for them including walking and cycling with most taking measures to further improve their facilities.
Actions taken include the creation of new footpaths and the installation of new cycle storage facilities, showers and lockers.
Councillor Judith Rowley, Chair of the Smart Networks Smarter Choices Board and lead for fair and safe transport on the West Midlands Transport Delivery Committee, said: “We know congestion costs this region billions of pounds every year in wasted time and fuel and that reducing it is key to keeping our economy moving.
“Cycling is a great alternative to driving - both in terms of traffic congestion and health and fitness benefits – so we are delighted to present these awards in recognition of organisations which are going the extra mile to help their people travel by bike.
Birmingham City Council’s Cycle Revolution aims to boost the number of cyclists in the city by providing improved infrastructure and facilities to make it easier for residents to travel by pedal power.
ENDS
Media contact: Please call the Press Office on 0121 303 3287 or email press.office@birmingham.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
Awards were presented to the following businesses, schools and organisations:
Gold
- Amey (one award covering Colmore Plaza and Thimble Mill Lane sites)
- Aston University
- Brindleyplace
Silver
- Big Lottery Fund
- Innovation Birmingham (Faraday Wharf)
- Midlands Arts Centre (mac)
Bronze
- Aquarius
- Bordesley Green Primary
- Broadway Plaza
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital
- Deykin Avenue Primary School, Witton
- Hillstone Primary, Shard End
- Hunters Hill Technology College, Bromsgrove
- Innovation Court
- Midland Heart (Bath Row)
- Slade Primary, Erdington
- St Thomas C of E Primary
- Redhill Primary, Hay Mills
- Regent’s Park Primary, Small Heath
- St Cuthbert’s Primary, Stechford
- Ward End Primary
