West Midlands to gain 500-mile cycle network

Starley network to provide vehicle-free routes or lanes separated from traffic

Coventry is famous for its motor industry heritage but long before this, from the 1860s onwards, it was considered England's bicycle city - and it gained an international reputation for quality engineering and fine craftsmanship.

However, in the late 19th century, with the motoring industry snapping at its heels, this thriving industry, with 450 bicycle makers in the city, slowly began to decline.