“Cycling is the new golf” is a mantra that has been bandied about for a few years now, describing a trend towards busy executives networking with one another on two wheels rather than on the fairway. But Birmingham City Council plans to take the concept a stage further after unveiling proposals to turn a loss-making municipal golf course into a cycling destination.
According to the council’s plans, Hilltop Golf Course, located between Handsworth and Sandwell Valley, would be turned into a cycling centre, with bike paths and race circuits, a BMX track, stunt cycle facilities and even a velodrome. With a running track also planned and its proximity to the open air Swan swimming pool, the facility would also be able to host triathlon events.
The Birmingham Mail said that Councillor Martin Mullaney, who is in charge of the city’s sport and leisure facilities, estimated that the council loses about £900,000 a year through its seven municipal golf courses, and that Hilltop alone accounted for almost half that amount.
Councillor Mullaney believes that Birmingham needs a world-class cycling facility, something it currently lacks. Funding is an issue, however, although the scheme could benefit from money coming into the sport as a result of Britain’s success at the Olympics and elsewhere.
According to Councillor Mullaney, development would take place over several years, during which time the site would make the transition from golf course, through public park, then “a cycle race track, and more extensive cycle paths. It would be ideal place for the triathlon.” The outdoor velodrome, a facility currently absent from the West Midlands, is proposed at a later stage.
The golf course is reportedly due to close on 1 January, and club chairman Norman Munslow told the newspaper of his dissatisfaction about the lack of consultation that had taken place. “We were never told about this, which I think is appalling,” he said, adding that “here should be a consultation period because as a club we have done nothing wrong and we want answers.”
Unsurprisingly, Birmingham Running and Triathlon Club, which has 400 members, was more welcoming of the plans. Its chairman, Tauny Southwood, told the Birmingham Mail: “We have a growing contingent of junior and novice triathletes of all ages, and we have lacked a suitable, safe training venue for these members.”
He added, “There are very few, if any, dedicated training facilities for triathlon within the UK and one could envisage this becoming an important national venue. There may be opportunities to apply for national sports grants to assist in the creation of a world class triathlon training facility.”
This is why I question the utility of shared-use paths; you're constantly dodging flamethrower-dogs and their operators. Mind you, they're...
If the police only consider that worthy of a warning letter, then I'd have no confidence there's any deterrent to stop that happening again....
It does seem a bit ridiculous having an outright ban on cycles at all times, yet permit holders can drive down there whenever they like and...
Well, yes, that's kinda my point. I think stating that "Norway is socialist" is a questionable perspective. I'd say it was a Nordic social...
The Be Calm section - 100% ...
Now, if we're talking gravel bikes, that's a whole different story. Gimme, gimme, gimme! Apologies for the Facebook link....
The police are operationally independent, in fact the regional Police and Crime Commissioners have to swear in their oath of office that they will...
"'Right", said Fred, "we'll 'ave to get a move on…"
Thanks for the review. I like that Orbea have included aero extras and wish more manufacturers would stick two fingers up at the UCI - at least in...
Excellent - I think I'll replace my emergency tube that is a real squeeze to get into the little Topeak bottle cage bag thingy....