Cycling Guide
The way in which we move and work within the city has changed. With an emphasis on greener alternatives to commuting, more and more people are turning to cycling as a way of getting to work and navigating the city streets.
To encourage the use of bikes in the district and beyond, we have put together a guide of resources to ensure safe, happy and healthy cycling in Birmingham.
Finding a cycling route
Sustrans – a cycling charity that signposts routes across the UK. Top routes in and around Birmingham can be found here.
Campaigns
Better Streets for Birmingham advocates for safer streets for all and holds monthly meetings.
Ride for there Lives is an international network also campaigning for safer places for cyclists.
Networking with other cyclists
If you want to chat to other people come sun, wind or rain, then there are many groups that gather on social media, including:
Or if you’d like to find a group in your local area who you can cycle with, you can check out this listing here. These clubs offer activities such as cycle training, led rides, bike maintenance and bike recycling. They provide a social environment to gain confidence and skills on a bike, improve fitness and have fun!
Do you need a new bike?
There are several schemes that are beneficial to both the cyclist and the employer via Cycle to Work. This is an employee benefit that saves you 25-39% on a bike and accessories. You pay nothing upfront and the payments are taken tax efficiently from your salary by your employer. Take a look here.
If you’re after a new bike in the city, head to:
Evans Cycles, Corporation Street.
Sprocket Cycles, 54-57 Allison Street.
West Midlands Cycle Hire
Get your first ride free on the region’s new cycle hire scheme in Birmingham.
To celebrate the launch, you can enjoy your first 30-minute bike ride absolutely free. To receive the offer simply download the Beryl Cycle Hire app and register your details.
The scheme is designed to help offer more people the opportunity to enjoy cycling and offers a convenient alternative to the car or public transport for shorter journeys. There are docking stations across the city centre including Priory Queensway, Victoria Square and Eden Place.
To use the scheme download and register on the Beryl Cycle Hire app. Using the app you can find your nearest station and then simply tap to unlock a bike!
How does it work?
- Bikes are securely locked at robust docking stations.
- To hire a bike, a user needs to register on the scheme’s cycle hire app which is powered by Beryl Bikes.
- They must register a credit or debit card on the app. Payment is taken once the ride is completed. (Later in the year users will be able to pay via their Swift account).
- Using the cycle hire app they can then unlock a bike from a docking station to start their ride. To end a ride, the user pushes the bike back into an empty docking point and pushes down the lock lever on the bike to end their ride.
- Bikes are available to hire 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.
- It costs £1 to unlock a bike. It then costs 5p per minute of cycling.
Key benefits of cycle hire:
- Ideal for 1st and last mile of journeys.
- Avoid the crowds on public transport.
- Avoid congestion in city centres.
- Avoid city-centre parking charges.
- Fun, healthy and greener mode of transport.
For more information visit wmcyclehire.co.uk