Included in this update:

• Co-Wheels Car Hire in Birmingham
• Half term travel
• HS2 station plans revealed
• Birmingham Cycle Revolution new routes
• Highway safety scheme consultation
• Become a Bikeability Instructor
• Ashted Circus works
• Road Safety Week (19-25 November)
• New 20mph pilot area
• WM Rail Investment Strategy consultation
• Dates to note

Co-Wheels Car Hire in Birmingham

Co-Wheels Car Club has been awarded a three year contract to deliver more car-sharing in Birmingham. The expansion of Co-Wheels Car Club in the city will support work to tackle air pollution by providing people with access to cleaner, low-emission vehicles. Co-Wheels is currently inviting new members to join for only £1 with £40 free credit. Find out more www.co-wheels.org.uk/birmingham

Half term travel

Birmingham is a great place to visit this October half term, with fantastic activities for the whole family. While major works take place at a number of locations, it’s important to think about how you travel so that your journey is as smooth as possible. Our advice is to:

• Plan ahead
• Leave the car at home and travel by bus, train, tram, bike or on foot
• Beat the traffic by travelling at quieter times
• Allow extra time for your journey

Visit our web pages for information about road works: www.birmingham.gov.uk/roadworks

There are excellent bus, train and tram connections into the city centre and plenty of ways to save money when you use public transport, here are just a few:

Pay as you go with Swift, the transport smartcard for the West Midlands

Use Day, Family or Group tickets – the Friends and Family fare offers adult return from as little as £1!

Claim up to 50% discount at some great attractions when travelling by public transport

Groups can travel for just £7 (2 adults and up to 4 children, or up to 5 adults) using the National Express West Midlands mTicket app

HS2 station plans revealed

Last week HS2 Ltd revealed design visions for the new Curzon Street Station in Birmingham and Interchange Station in Solihull. A series of public engagement events are taking place throughout October. Visit the HS2 in Birmingham web pages to find dates and locations of drop in sessions to meet the HS2 team and share your views.

Birmingham Cycle Revolution new routes

A number of lane restrictions are in operation and some roads are closed to traffic overnight, including:

• Newtown Row (A34 out of city from Lancaster Circus) closed to traffic overnight until mid-November. Find out more about A34 cycle route.
• Access from Bristol Road (A38) onto Edgbaston Park Road closed to traffic from 7pm to 6am Sunday to Thursday. The new pedestrian access across the east side of Belgrave junction is now open. Find out more about A38 cycle route.

Work on both cycle routes is expected to be complete in early 2019.

Highway safety scheme consultation

Have your say on proposed improvements to the Pershore Road / Priory Road / Edgbaston Road junction. The aim is to improve the overall safety and efficiency of the junction by introducing new pedestrian and cycling facilities and signal alterations. It includes forming a cycle and pedestrian connection between the new BCR A38 cycle route and the NCN route 5 at Cannon Hill Park. You can find out more, share your views or find dates for drop in sessions on Be Heard. This consultation closes 2 November.

Become a Bikeability Instructor

Would you like to join the Big Birmingham Bikes team and become a Bikeability Instructor? You will be part of the team delivering a range of Bikeability courses in schools across Birmingham. For further information contact Bikeability@theaws.org or call Donna Spence on 07885 235209.

Ashted Circus works

Overnight lane closures on the approaches to Ashted Circus have recommenced. On 22, 23 and 24 October Jennens Road and Nechells Parkway will be closed to traffic overnight (8pm to 6am). To find out more about the Ashted Circus project please visit our web pages.

Road Safety Week (19-25 November)

Road Safety Week is an ideal time to promote potentially life-saving messages and show your commitment to road safety. The theme this year is Bike Smart, so please take the opportunity to remind drivers to look out for those on two wheels by driving safely, slowing down and giving people on bikes plenty of space. With the clocks changing at the end of October, cyclists and motorcyclists are also reminded of the importance of safe riding behaviours, including using appropriate lights when riding in the dark. Find out more about Brake’s Road Safety Week. For advice about cycling on the road and driving around cyclists visit our web pages.

New 20mph pilot area

The fourth and final 20mph pilot area in Central South West Birmingham* is currently being implemented, with a launch planned for November 2018. This will consist of an education and enforcement operation in partnership with West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service and engagement activities with schools, businesses and communities. If you would like to do more to support 20mph in Birmingham, free toolkits are available for employers, community groups, residents and schools.

*Central South West Birmingham 20mph pilot area covers all of Bournbrook and Selly Park and parts of Edgbaston, Harborne, Selly Oak, Bournville, Cotteridge and Stirchley

West Midlands Rail Investment Strategy

The West Midlands Rail Investment Strategy is a 30 year vision for rail in the West Midlands. The document can be downloaded and a short survey is provided to enable you to share your views. The closing date for responses is 19 November.

Dates to note

• 28 October – clocks go back 1 hour

• 11 November - Remembrance Sunday Commemoration - Colmore Row / Cathedral Green

• 15 November to 23 December – Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

• 19 to 25 November – Road Safety Week

Article posted on 22 October 2018