§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made with regard to the proposed national cycle network; and what proposals he has for 1998–99 for the extension of cycle routes in the West Midlands Region. [43016]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonMy Department welcomes the initiative to develop the National Cycle Network being promoted by Sustrans. The Network is making good progress and now embraces about 600 miles. The first 3,000 miles are 0due for completion by the year 2000, well ahead of the original target of 2,500 miles.
In the West Midlands, the Millennium route runs from Stratford-on-Avon through Redditch, Bromsgrove, Birmingham, Sandwell, Walsall and on to Lichfield. This is due to be completed by Easter 2000.
Coventry City Council has been actively involved with the provision of routes for cyclists, in particular a north-south route which links the University of Warwick to the city centre. A number of transport packages in the region, including those for the metropolitan area, North Staffordshire, Worcester, Stafford and Warwick/Leamington/Kenilworth also incorporate a range of measures to encourage cycle use, including cycle routes.