Council Leader urges Sandwell to get active this summer

Sandwell Council’s Leader is urging people to get on their bikes – and their feet – this summer and get active.

Leader of Sandwell Council Councillor Yvonne Davies said one of her priorities was to get Sandwell moving to help people improve their health and wellbeing :

“I’m also keen to get people out on our canals – walking, running and particularly cycling.”

“It worries me that nationally we’re seeing a fall in the number of people cycling, specifically because many people worry about their safety when they cycle.

“We’re committed to making our roads and other routes safe for cyclists and in particular, we’re promoting canals as a great place for cycling.

“I love our local canals and they’re a stress-free route to cycle along while seeing our industrial heritage as well as the nature we’re surrounded by.

“Our canals are a fantastic asset and a real part of who we are in Sandwell and the Black Country. I want to work with our partners to attract funding to improve our canals and make them even more attractive to all visitors, especially cyclists.

“We want to significantly increase the number of people getting active in their communities – this is for everyone, even if they lack mobility or they have a disability, we’re developing sessions and groups that will appeal to people of all ages and abilities.”

The council is working with the voluntary sector, leisure and health organisations on a new initiative to promote physical activity across the area.

The council’s forthcoming #MoveMoreSandwell campaign will fund opportunities to get people more active – from walking groups, swimming clubs and yoga to football coaching and cycling, dance and drumming groups.

Councillor Davies added.

“The whole #MoveMoreSandwell programme will be driven by the ideas and energy of local people. We’re also very excited that British Cycling are also getting involved and will be helping us to set up cycling opportunities to get people in Sandwell on their bikes.”