Cycle routes across Birmingham
Cycling to work or choosing a bike for shorter journeys are great ways to make a positive impact on the environment. In most cases you will arrive quicker, definitely feel happier, fitter and save money in the process. So what’s stopping you?
Finding safe cycle routes in Birmingham can be difficult, so we have put together this simple guide to cycling in our city.
Watch our short video to learn how to plan a traffic free cycle route using Google maps.
Discover Brum By Bike – Traffic Free
Over the last few years there has been a massive investment in cycle infrastructure, including new, safer cycleways on the A34 and A38, as well as improved routes along our 100 miles of canals and our 571 parks & green spaces.
We have put together a series of traffic free rides across Birmingham using free route finding app/website Komoot. These routes are mostly off road, on cycleways or towpaths with some using a few quiet roads. A lot of these routes can be joined together to create longer rides or easily shortened.
Discover a traffic-free cycle route near you here.
Cycle Ways
The new Blue Routes are a positive addition to the city and to finally have some dedicated cycling infrastructure is amazing. These are blue surfaced cycle routes which are separated from other traffic wherever possible with dedicated signals for cyclists at major junctions, making cycling much more accessible.
- In north Birmingham, the A34 route provides an easy route by bike between Heathfield Road, Birchfield and the city centre. Download an A34 cycle route map.
- In south Birmingham, the A38 route provides an easy route by bike between Selly Oak and the city centre. Download an A38 cycle route map.
Pop-up Cycle Lanes
Through the Emergency Birmingham Transport Plan and money from the Government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund, Birmingham City Council introduced many temporary ‘pop-up’ cycle lanes on roads to create safer spaces for cycling. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to continue to cycle or start cycling for shorter journeys.
We’ve been enjoying these cycle lanes to travel across Birmingham for work and leisure. Find out what we’ve been up to and where you can find them here.
You can find a map of all the pop-up cycle lanes here.
There has been several months of consultation, chance for people to leave their feedback along with Birminghams Transport Plan recently being approved by government. The plan sets a bold vision for an inclusive, sustainable and low carbon transport network.
For more information to leave your vital feedback on the next stage of improvements click HERE.
Green Spaces
Birmingham has a huge amount of parks and green space providing great traffic free cycling routes all over the city suitable for all ages and abilities. Riding away from traffic and on quieter roads you are breathing cleaner air. It’s a more pleasant way to get around, and we’re sure you will be amazed by what you discover about the city. You might even forget you’re in Birmingham!
- Birmingham Cycle Revolution showcase some family friendly cycle routes which you can download here.
- Birmingham Cycling Campaign group Push Bikes have created some fantastic circular Urban Explorer routes which can be downloaded here.
Canals
Canals are another great way to get around Birmingham whether you are walking or cycling. We have over 50km of canal towpath in the city, recently resurfaced with a clean, well-drained, grippy grit surface and great improvements at some access points with opening of gates and barriers.
Whatever your age or cycling ability, taking to the towpaths on two wheels is a great way to escape rush hour traffic, get some exercise and enjoy the city’s hidden green/blue spaces.
Download some key routes from Birmingham City Council website here.
We recently worked in partnership with The Canal & River Trust and Civic Square to share some of the great cycle friendly routes along the canals from Port Loop to surrounding areas like Edgbaston, Ladywood, Sandwell and the City Centre. For more information click here.
Secret Birmingham
Explore Birmingham by bike with our Secret Birmingham routes and enjoy a self-guided digital cycling tour of heritage sites across South Birmingham using bike friendly routes as well as some of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. You can also access some great video content to learn more about the fantastic heritage sites you find along the way.
Find out more here.
Cycle Groups
Many people find cycling as a group helps to build confidence and helps to familiarise yourself with the best cycle routes. We’re lucky in Birmingham to have a great cycling community with lots of groups you can join.
Find a group near you here.