Car Free School Streets

Five new schools across Birmingham are taking part in the third phase of Car Free School Streets (CFSS) this week, joining the 12 that are already active. These are:        

• Brownmead Academy - Shard End
• Colmore Junior and Infant School - Brandwood and Kings Heath
• Court Farm Primary School - Perry Common
• St Dunstan’s Catholic School - Brandwood and Kings Heath
• Nansen Primary School - Alum Rock

CFSS is a pioneering scheme that closes roads around schools to motorised traffic for up to an hour at the start and end of the school day. The aim is to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and make it safer to walk, scoot and cycle to school.

So far this has been a huge success, with over 70% of people (made up of school staff, parents, and local residents) saying the scheme should continue at their school . Over 70% also believe that other schools in Birmingham would benefit from a CFSS (CFSS Evaluation Report). 

To find out more about the scheme, read our Evaluation Report, on the Birmingham City Council website. 

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Walking & Cycling

Walk to School Week

Walk to School Week takes place during National Walking Month from 16 - 20 May. 

This year's challenge, #PowerUp, will engage pupils through video game-inspired design, encouraging them to travel sustainably to school every day of the week. Each day will see a new level unlocked and mission to complete, through which pupils will discover the incredible benefits of walking for individuals, communities and the planet. Discover how to take part on the Living Streets website.

National Walking Month

May is Living Streets' National Walking Month. You are encouraged to #Try20 - and walk for 20 minutes each day during May. 

By swapping a short drive for a short walk, you can help reduce air pollution, congestion and road danger - whilst saving yourself some money and getting active in the process. Find out more and see highlights from last year on the Living Streets website.

The Bike Month Challenge 

Ready to ride as a part of an awesome team? Across the globe, people are teaming up, encouraging others to hop in the saddle and preparing to ride towards glory (and prizes)!  

Let’s get more people on our riding teams by registering for free with Love to Ride.

Big Bike Revival 

Cycling UK has secured another year of funding for the Big Bike Revival – a programme of activities delivered by community partners to encourage non-cyclists to ride bikes, and people who cycle less frequently to cycle more. Information on how an organisation can apply for funding as a delivery partner, and also for information on the focus of the programme in 2022 can be found on the Cycling UK website.

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Get Outside This Spring

Spot That Habitat Survey

The Canal and River Trust are helping us connect with nature this spring with their Spot that Habitat Survey. Help protect nature by visiting your local canal to identify any of the six habitats that provide a home for nature and wildlife. You can also enter the Drifter prize draw at the end of the survey to be in with a chance of winning a canal boat holiday voucher worth £800! Visit the Canal and River Trust website to take part.

The Great British Rail Sale

Make the most of the sun and take a trip on the train to reconnect with the people, places and things you love the most. National Rail is offering up to 50% off selected Advance tickets from participating retailers. The offer ends at 23:59 on 2 May 2022 and you must travel between 25 April and 27 May 2022.  For more details visit the National Rail Sale website. Happy travelling!

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Get Set for the Games

Get set for the games is the overarching campaign that will ensure the city and region can continue to function and thrive in the lead up to, and during, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. It will ensure that Birmingham and the West Midlands are fully prepared to welcome the 4,500 athletes and the 1million visitors from around the world in July 2022. 

Get set drop-in sessions are taking place throughout April and May and will offer all the information you need to be prepared, including:

• temporary road closures and diversions
• parking controls and access permits 
• travel advice 
• security and safety information 
• Advertising and Trading Regulations under the Commonwealth Games Act 2020

More information can be found on the Get Set for the Games webpage which will grow over time and house useful information, advice and tips for residents and businesses.

An additional drop-in event is taking place tomorrow (26 April) for businesses at the Library of Birmingham from 10:00 -11:00. Register on Eventbrite.

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Clean Air Day 2022

The theme for this year's Clean Air Day (16 June) has been confirmed as "Air pollution dirties every organ in your body. Take steps to improve your health this Clean Air Day". Find resources on the Global Action Plan page. New 2022 Clean Air Day resources are coming soon. 

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Current Works

Sprint

The first phase of the Sprint corridor, linking Walsall with Birmingham, Solihull and Birmingham Airport, is expected to be complete by the end of May 2022 and will be ready to carry passengers along the route for the Commonwealth Games.

Extended bus lanes, purpose built shelters and priority signalling at busy junctions, will now ensure quicker journey times. This will create an improved travelling experience for all bus passengers, providing more reliable, regular and predictable journey times.

The first Sprint corridor is being delivered in two parts. The second phase will be concentrated at each end of the route in Solihull and Walsall and is expected to begin early next year, following full public engagement and once all approvals are secured. There are more routes and corridors to come in the future. Visit Transport for West Midlands for more information and the latest travel advice.

Rail Engineering works 

Essential engineering works are being delivered over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend (30 April - 2 May), severely impacting journeys across the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway network. You can find a full summary of planned disruption and check your journey on the West Midlands Railway website.

Eastside

Work continues on Digbeth High Street with the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) team working to see the northern side complete, with the new carriageway, kerb lines and some areas of public realm finishing over the coming months. April has also seen works to demolish a former garage site in Digbeth begin to make way for the new tramway. Find out more in the MMA's April edition of the Eastside Newsletter.

All businesses remain open throughout these works, however lane restrictions are in place on Digbeth High Street. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. Use Transport for West Midland's journey planner to find the most efficient route/mode.

Metro Update

The West Midlands Metro services now expect to resume passenger services by the end of May 2022. More information can be found on the West Midlands Metro website. For help planning your alternative transport journey, please visit Transport for West Midlands and search tickets and passes.

Testing of the second phase of the Birmingham Westside Metro extension got underway this month with a tram travelling down Broad Street for the first time. This is in preparation for the launch of passenger services in June 2022. Read the story on the Midland Metro Alliance website.

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Have Your Say

Electric Vehicle charging point survey - This survey aims to understand the electric vehicle charging needs of those living in areas who have limited or no off-street parking. Consultation closes 1 November 2022. 

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Dates for the Diary

25 April, 7 May and 16 May - Dr Bike Sessions - Bring your bike to be checked over by New Roots Bike Project and get a security marking by The British Transport Police. The sessions will be in New Street Station on the concourse under the departure boards from 10am - 1pm. 

26 April - Get Set For The Games Business Drop-In - Join Transport for West Midlands at a drop-in session at the Library of Birmingham which will provide you with the details you need to get set for the Games. Register on Eventbrite.

27 April - Why Should I Care about Walking and Cycling? - Sustrans are looking to make active travel relevant to you and learn about any barriers you face that stop you from walking and cycling. Register on Eventbrite (this is an in person event).

1 May - Great Birmingham Run - Birmingham's biggest running event is back with the 10K and half marathon taking place on the same day. Use public transport when travelling to the event, leave plenty of time and make sure you are familiar with the route and road closures. More information is on the Great Run website.

16 - 20 May - Walk to School Week - Take part in the five-day walking challenge and #PowerUp. Find out more on the Living Streets website.

16 June - Clean Air Day -  Read more on the Global Action Plan.

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Article posted 25 April 2022