Plans for a significant £22.5 million extension of a key Birmingham cycle route have been officially approved, promising a safer and more connected journey for cyclists from the city centre to Longbridge.
Approval for a Connected Cycling Corridor
Birmingham City Council has given the green light to the project, which will see the existing A38 cycle route extended by 6km from Selly Oak to Longbridge. The ambitious plan aims to create a continuous 'connected corridor', making it easier and safer for people to choose cycling over cars.
The Labour-run council argues that this infrastructure is vital for reducing the city's dependency on cars and for improving safety for both pedestrians and cyclists. The project's outline business case was approved at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Concerns Over the Pace of Change
While the project received broad support, Councillor Roger Harmer, leader of the Liberal Democrats at the council, voiced significant concerns about the speed of delivery. He welcomed the safer cycling provisions, especially given the standard of driving in the city, but highlighted a major issue.
"We do need segregated bike routes, particularly on the main arterial routes," Coun Harmer stated. "But when [the project is completed], it’ll be nearly a decade after the first half of the A38 was done. That pace is a real concern."
He emphasised that for cycling to become a genuinely viable mode of transport, the city needs a comprehensive network of safe routes, not just isolated sections on a couple of main roads. He expressed worry that at the current rate of change, a full network might not be realised in his lifetime.
Public Support and Project Funding
In response to the concerns about pace, Councillor Majid Mahmood, the Labour cabinet member for transport, explained that such construction projects inherently take a significant amount of time. He cited legislation and the necessity for detailed public consultations as factors contributing to the timeline.
The scheme has indeed garnered substantial public backing. A consultation on the plans showed that 55% of the 846 respondents were in support.
The project is also backed by campaign groups. Martin Price, co-chair of Better Streets for Birmingham, said he was "incredibly pleased" to see the proposals move forward. He stated that the scheme, alongside cross-city bus proposals, would enable many more reliable and safe journeys along the A38, contrasting with the current situation where pedestrians, cyclists, and buses are often in conflict.
Funding for the £22.5 million project is secured through an external grant of £14.5 million from the Department for Transport. The remaining £8 million in local match funding will be sourced equally from the Clean Air Zone and bus lane enforcement revenues.
The council has positioned this project as fundamental to its broader strategy, linking it directly to tackling the climate emergency and creating a wholesale shift towards public transport and active travel modes like cycling.
