Birmingham Connected Bulletin – 3 July 2019

Transport and travel news and advice, plus events in the city.

Birmingham Connected bulletin – 3 July 2019

Transport and travel news, including Clean Air Zone, Catch the Bus Week, consultations, cycling in the city

Brum Breathes

Birmingham City Council and Leeds City Council have issued a joint statement confirming a delay to the introduction of the Clean Air Zones until July 2020 at the earliest. However we continue to work towards making Birmingham’s air cleaner and achieving air quality compliance in the shortest time possible.

To help you prepare for Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) visit our CAZ webpages. Fleet operators and self-employed drivers will also find a wealth of information on the Business Breathes website.

With transport being the biggest source of air pollution in our city, linked to 900 deaths per year, find out how we can all take steps to reduce air pollution.

A section of the A38 Aston Expressway is to be converted into a paved park for International Car Free Day on 22 September. The event will highlight the issue of poor air quality, the need to reduce reliance on cars and encourage people to be more active.

Catch the Bus Week

We’re in the midst of Catch the Bus Week (1 to 7 July) and there’s still time to enter the Network West Midlands competition – take a bus selfie and tag @networkwm using the hashtag #CTBW by 7 July for a chance to win a 4-week nbus regional ticket.

Discover how comfortable and convenient travelling by bus can be; read a book, catch up on emails or just relax while travelling from A to B. To plan your journey by bus visit Network West Midlands.

Don’t forget that National Express West Midlands run regular shuttle buses between the city centre and Edgbaston Stadium on major match days and T20 evenings. The ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final takes place at Edgbaston on Thursday 11 July – if you’re lucky enough to be going, leave the car at home for a better journey.

If you’re interested in the way bus services in the West Midlands are run and improved, find out more about the West Midlands Bus Alliance.

Future plans for walking and cycling

Share your views on future plans for walking and cycling by giving your feedback on the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. This will help to build on the success of the Birmingham Cycle Revolution programme, regenerate local centres and make improvements in the city centre. Consultation closes 2 August 2019.

You can also attend the following drop in information events:

10 July, 1pm to 3pm at Welcome Change Café, Shard End, B34 7AJ
11 July, 3pm to 7pm at The Cobble Cycle Café, Erdington, B23 6EA

Summer of cycling

It’s a wonderful time of year to get on a bike and try some of Birmingham’s best cycle routes:

Find maps of the new traffic-free cycle routes along the A34 (Birchfield to city centre) and A38 (Selly Oak to city centre), including interesting landmarks along the way. For a perfect day out with the kids, take a look at our updated Family Friendly Cycle Route Map. Or, for a little bit of countryside in the city, enjoy Birmingham’s unique network of towpaths on two wheels.

If you would like to cycle as part of a friendly group or feel you need a little support to get back in the saddle, Community Cycle Clubs across the city offer rides for all abilities. The new This Girl Can campaign, aiming to get more women cycling, is in full swing which means there are lots of FREE rides for women taking place this summer.

Why not encourage colleagues, friends and family to take part in the UK’s biggest cycle commuting event? Cycle to Work Day takes place on 8 August.

Westside transformation

The Westside of Birmingham city centre continues to undergo a remarkable transformation. This includes:

Re-design of Centenary Square – the stunning new public space was officially opened today (3 July), welcoming people to stroll, relax and socialise.
Extension of the Midland Metro towards Edgbaston via Victoria Square and Centenary Square. Track laying works are progressing well. Five Ways underpass is now closed to traffic.
Redevelopment of Paradise Circus.

Businesses and leisure venues in the area remain open as usual while works take place.

Landor Street

Network Rail has confirmed that works to repair the railway bridge on Landor Street are due to be complete ahead of schedule. The road is expected to be fully re-opened by Friday 5 July. This is excellent news for businesses in the local area.

Selly Oak New Road

Over the summer hoilday period lane closures on Chapel Lane, Harborne Lane and Bristol Road will be in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This will allow works to progress more rapidly while the roads are quieter. The footpath around the triangle site (former Sainsbury’s) will remain closed with the section along the Bristol Road also closed to pedestrians over the summer. Find out more about Selly Oak New Road Highway Improvement Scheme.

Thrive at Work

Encouraging walking, cycling or other forms of active travel is a great way for employers to build a happier, healthier and more productive workforce. West Midlands Combined Authority is inviting organisations to take part in the Thrive at Work programme which recognises these goals. To find out more register for one of the following free events by emailing thriveatwork@wmca.org.uk or call 0121 214 7861:

16 July, 9:30am to 11.30am at The Hive, WMCA, 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD
19 August, 2pm to 4pm at The Hive, WMCA, 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD

For support with travel planning, Modeshift STARS for business is an online portal that organisations can use to easily create an effective travel plan and receive accreditation for excellence in the promotion of sustainable travel.