The 72 page Midlands Connect Strategy: Powering the Midlands Engine has recently been published. This document sets out a 25 year plan to improve transport links and reduce transport delays in the Midlands region.
Nowhere is cycling mentioned! The closest is on the final page of the report where it says “Local projects will not appear in the Midlands Connect strategy, but the partners in Midlands Connect do recognise their significance and urge the Government to maintain a significant flow of funding for local transport schemes.”
The focus is on large scale trunk road improvements and improved rail links and speeds. Whilst appreciating that the focus of the report is on long distance connectivity (trunk roads, HS2, etc.) it is disappointing that an emphasis on reducing localised road transport (e.g. by encouraging cycling and public transport) is not seen as part of the solution for long distance travel.
