Christmas in Birmingham

Birmingham has so much to offer, from theatre and pantomime, ice-skating, Christmas Markets, and fantastic shopping spots. The Frankfurt Christmas Markets, the Ice-Skating Rink and The Big Wheel will all be open to the public from Thursday 2 November.

 With so many exciting activities taking place, the city is going to be very busy. You can help to reduce congestion by being mindful of when and how you travel:

• Public transport is the best, most convenient way of travelling to and around Birmingham City Centre, use the TfWM Journey Planner to find your fastest route and method of sustainable transport.
• NXWM bus single adult ticket will remain capped at just £2 until the end of year
• Think about when you travel, Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest. Consider visiting on Saturday morning, Sunday, or a weekday instead.
• West Midlands Cycle Hire and Beryl e-scooters are two fantastic ways of getting around the city. You can ride for as cheap as 6p a minute, depending on the type of pass you choose.
• If you do choose to drive, be mindful of the Clean Air Zone. Check to see if your vehicle is compliant, and if not, be aware that you will have to pay the charge.

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Cycling and e-scooting in winter

One of the beauties of cycling is that it can be enjoyed all year round. Yet when it comes to winter, our weather has a habit of throwing up extra challenges when getting out and about on two wheels. Download the winter cycling guide for some top tips on cycling in the winter. You can also apply the same top tips if you choose to scoot around the city.

Big Bike Revival

Saturday 4 November to Saturday 25 February

The Big Bike Revival is all about helping everyone and anyone to begin or return to cycling through a programme of FREE activities and services, delivered by local community organisations.

This Winter, community cycle clubs and other partners will be helping to deliver this project by running a variety of activities across Birmingham including, fixing bikes locally, teaching cycling skills, and organising social rides.

Keep an eye on the @WeAreCyclingUK social media accounts, or the Cycling UK website to keep up to date with the Big Bike Revival Winter Intervention. For any specific questions, you can also contact Vanessa.Morris@cyclinguk.org the Cycling UK Community Development Officer for Birmingham.

Beryl Scoot Happy

Sunday 19 November

Sign up to attend the ‘Scoot Happy Birmingham’ event, where you can join Beryl, for an in-depth road training session and learn how to safely ride an e-scooter. This training is led by qualified instructors, and participants will gain in-depth road craft skills from a two-hour session on local roads and cycle paths.

Making Connections Cycling Stories

We are pleased to announce that our Making Connections Cycling Stories film series, made in partnership with Iconic Productions, Grand Union and Colmore BID has been shortlisted for a Team Modeshift National Sustainable Travel Award, in the Team Modeshift Partnership of the Year category. These films feature stories from across Birmingham and showcase different aspects of cycling such as cycling to school, e-cargo bikes for business, social cycling groups, and more!

You can watch the Making Connections films on our Youtube Channel.

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Road Safety Week

Road Safety Week will be taking place this month. This week provides the perfect opportunity for you to raise awareness of the dangers of excess or inappropriate speed. By taking part in Road Safety Week 2023, you are joining a national conversation about why speed is such a critical factor for road safety. Together we can make our campaigns louder, and our roads safer for everyone.

Register to take part on the Brake website, and download the resources, which are full of ideas and activities you can use for your campaign. Need some more inspiration on how you can bring down speeds in your area? Check out our ‘Slower is Safer’ toolkits.

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Route to Net Zero

In 2019 the council formally declared a climate emergency, and the ambition was set for the council and city to become net zero carbon by 2030. Net zero is the idea of reducing our emissions down to zero (or as close as possible) to prevent further temperature increases.

In a report produced by the council, it was determined that the city’s greatest sources of carbon dioxide emissions are domestic housing (36 per cent) and transport (34 per cent).

For Birmingham to achieve its goal, we as individuals all have a duty to reduce our carbon footprint! You can work out your own carbon footprint online, which will identify aspects of your lifestyle that are emitting the most carbon.

Calculate your carbon footprint

It is important to make small changes in our lifestyles to reduce our carbon footprint. Here are some top tips you can easily implement…

• Walk, wheel, cycle or scoot for local journeys
• Use public transport for longer commutes
• If you do need to drive, drive smarter. Having the correct air pressure in your tyres, removing excess weight from your vehicle, and driving a little slower can all improve your fuel consumption and efficiency
• Eat less meat and dairy, and consume more foods that are locally grown, and in season
• Use a smart energy meter
• Choose energy-efficient appliances and lighting in your home
• Buy fewer, better quality clothes and donate them/sell them on when no longer needed

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£1m to revive nature and boost climate resilience

Communities can bid for a share of a new £1 million fund set up to support green schemes that connect local people to nature and bolster the region’s resilience to climate change. The Community Environment Fund will pay for more locally led schemes that improve access to nature. The grant can also be used to fund projects that reduce waste, and help make communities more resilient and prepared for the impacts of climate change.

Community groups and regional organisations are able to bid for small grants of up to £25,000 and large grants of up to £100,000 on the West Midlands Combined Authority website.

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Have your say

Proposed speed limit reduction to 30mph: Birmingham area-wide scheme

BCC is to review all existing 40mph speed limits across the city, with the intention that almost all will be revoked, with these becoming 30mph. The scheme aims to reduce speeds, improve road safety, and encourage walking and cycling. Consultation closes Sunday 19 November.

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Dates for the diary

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market - from 2 November to 24 December

Birmingham Ice Skate and Big Wheel - from 2 November to 7 January

Remembrance Sunday - 12 November 

Christmas in Cathedral Square – from 15 November to 17 December

Road Safety Week - 19 to 25 November

National Modeshift Convention - 23 & 24 November 2023