Community Islamic centre gifted with free bike racks used at Birmingham 2022 Games

Cycle parking racks used at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games venues during the summer have been handed out to 50 community groups, including an Islamic centre in Sparkbrook.

A wide range of organisations, from schools and residents’ associations to health centres and housing developers are benefitting from this Games legacy and helping to boost cycling rates in their areas.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), have said they bought and set up 100 bike racks and cycle storage facilities at 13 venues creating more than 25,000 cycle parking spaces as part of the wide- ranging transport offer for Birmingham 2022.

As a local legacy, TfWM offered the racks to organisations across the region through an open application process which was hugely over-subscribed. 49 groups have now received between one and seven of the ‘toast racks’ each, according to the WMCA.

One of the recipients is the Sparkbrook Islamic Centre in Birmingham which has received two racks to encourage the community to cycle.

Jamshed Khan, of Sparkbrook Islamic Centre, said: “We didn’t have bike racks prior to this so we’re very pleased and overjoyed these have been provided to us. We care about the environment and a lot of our people cycle to the centre.

“Before, they had to clip their bikes to the railings. Now we have a proper stand everyone feels more comfortable to cycle in.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “After the spectacular Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, I was determined that our entire region would see a tangible legacy from the Games for months and years to come.

“Repurposing equipment left behind after the Games is just one of the ways we’re delivering on that mission – including with these bike racks.”

The metro mayor also paid a visit to the religious centre to see how the new equipment would help the local community.

“I enjoyed the visit to Sparkbrook Islamic Centre as it gave me the chance to see for myself an example of how people are directly benefiting. Increasing cycling uptake – especially for shorter journeys – will reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and encourage more active lifestyles.

“By reaching out to the grassroots right across the West Midlands through these ‘Games giveaways’, I hope we will make a real difference and serve as a catalyst for change in local communities.”

Adam Tranter, West Midlands Cycling and Walking Commissioner, said: “TfWM colleagues did a brilliant job of keeping the region moving during the Commonwealth Games. New pop-up cycle parking for the Games helped people get to venues actively and sustainably.

“I’m delighted the infrastructure has now been repurposed and donated for the good of local communities so they can also reap the benefits of active travel.”