A £1.7 million package of improvements to boost cycling in Birmingham is set to be approved by leading councillors next week.

Cycle paths along the River Tame, under the M6, Cole Valley and Rea Valley are set for upgrades to encourage more people to get active and improve cycle safety.

The Birmingham Cycle Revolution investment will be paid out of a £23 million fund, including a £17 million bike ambition grant given by the Government to Birmingham City Council last year.

And it comes just a month after councillors approved plans to improve 17 miles of canal towpaths, with work beginning soon.

The 6.8-mile Green Routes plan will include an upgrade of existing or informal routes to provide a smoother ride and a review of access control barriers which prevent misuse by motorcycles.

Council cabinet member responsible for cycling James McKay said: “This work on our Green Routes is a key part of the Birmingham Cycle Revolution jigsaw.

“I am delighted that it is starting to take shape and we are making the city the a better place to cycle in – whether it is for commuting or leisure purposes.

“More improvements are due to be announced in the coming months and they will significantly improve our sustainable transport options.”

The plans are set to be approved by the council’s cabinet on Monday and then work will begin next month, to be completed by October.

The target is for a 27 per cent increase in cycling in the zone within a 20-minute travelling distance to the city centre by 2016. It also aims to ensure cycling makes up five per cent of all journeys by 2023.

Proposals will also benefit pedestrians, public transport and road safety. A further £700,000 has been set aside for local links between the off-road Green Routes.