Birmingham, our time has come!

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games are just around the corner so find out what has been going on to make sure our city is ready to welcome everyone. 

If you are attending one or more of the events this summer make sure you know the best way to travel and plan your journey with the online journey planner. If you live or own a business near any of the Games venues there may be an impact to the roads in your area. 

We can't wait to welcome everyone to the city!

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Travel during Games time

The Commonwealth Games will make Birmingham and the wider region much busier. We can all play our part to keep the Midlands moving:

• Beat the queues by checking to see if your usual journeys will be affected
• Leave the car at home and use public transport or walk and cycle for local journeys 
• Travel at different times to avoid the crowds around the events
• If you live or work near Alexander Stadium please note there will be differences to the traffic management operation on the days when the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and two dress rehearsals, are taking place, to ensure all events run smoothly. Find out when this will be and what measures will be in place on the Commonwealth Games website. The roads will remain open for buses, local traffic, pedestrians and cycling. 

Visit Get Set for the Games to find out more

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Walk, Cycle or Scoot to the Games

Why not be one of the athletes this Commonwealth Games and travel to your next event via walking, cycling, or scooting! West Midlands Cycle Hire are offering two FREE 30-minute rides each day from 27 July to 8 August letting you explore where you can cycle in Birmingham or plan your journey using the Games journey planner. The Voi e-scooter scheme has also further expanded its operating area to help residents and visitors access the main venues of the Games, including Alexander Stadium.

Transport for West Midland’s (TfWM) Cycling for Everyone programme aims to help more people get into cycling so it can be part of their everyday life. From cycle training to bike giveaways, there is something for everyone. TfWM have lots of information to help make this the summer of cycling including Green routes to Commonwealth Games venues and an overview of where you can park your cycle.

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Infrastructure Projects

We have been working hard to deliver a collection of transport projects in time for The Commonwealth Games:

• Perry Barr is now one of the most connected areas in the city through improved public transport connections, such as the Perry Barr Railway Station, the new rapid Sprint bus route and the bus interchange.
• West Midlands Metro Extension: Passenger services have commenced on the new metro extension from Library of Birmingham to Edgbaston. There are three new stops along the way at Brindleyplace, Five Ways and the end of the line at Edgbaston Village. Services will run every 12 to 15 minutes and timetable/fare information is available on the West Midlands Metro website.
• The Southside Public Realm has received improvements to its pavements, cycleway and a new public square outside the Birmingham Hippodrome including a new 'Rainbow Feature' on the floor of the creative area. The City Centre Public Realm has also been undergoing improvements with the River Water feature in Victoria Square a key attraction that has recently been restored.
• Pershore Road Junction: As part of the scheme, measures have been put in place to connect the NCN5 cycle route from Cannon Hill Park to the city centre by linking it to the A38 cycle track. 

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Legacy

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games seek to influence, inspire and change the transport behaviours of those delivering and attending the events. Through the investment and delivery of new sustainable transport infrastructure we want to ensure users consider walking, cycling or public transport as their preferred means of transport, both to the event and also in the longer term. 

Read the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Our Legacy document to learn more.

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Dates for the diary

28 July - 8 August - Commonwealth Games 2022 - Find out more and purchase tickets.

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Article posted 26 July 2022