When someone tells you they get the train to work, you would naturally imagine that they go to their local station, board the usual fit-to-bursting carriage, stand for the entire journey and arrive at work more annoyed than a lottery winner whose lost their ticket.
And for most Birmingham commuters that is exactly what happens.
But for some, all that is about to change. A different sort of train is coming along the tracks…..
Is it a super-fast Virgin Pendalino? Is a radically new Cross Country Voyager? How about a London Midland “luxury” Class 350 Desiro? (and before you call me a train nerd, I had to look these up!!)
Well, it’s none of these. This train will be made up of people. People on their bikes. Pedalling from around the city, into Birmingham, on their morning commute. Or at least that is the plan.
With the A38 tunnels due to be closed later this month for six weeks, Birmingham City Council is hoping to encourage motorists to give up their precious “gas guzzlers” in favour of taking a more “self-propelled” two-wheeled alternative. Together with their road contractor Amey, Birmingham Council have set up a website to help motorists find alternative ways of navigating through the city whilst this main access route is cut off.
And one of these alternative ways is the Bike Train. Transport Authority Centro are running the “trains” from key starting points across Birmingham and will take commuters into the city centre. There will be cycle instructors from BikeRight leading the rides so for those who are a little nervous about undertaking such a journey, you will be in safe hands!
The starting points will be Acocks Green, Selly Oak and Perry Barr. More information about exact dates and times can be found here on the Brum Tunnels website.
And who knows…this might catch on. First a few, then a few more and before you know, the whole city is cycling!
After all, the city needs cars like a fish needs a bicycle !!
Let's Ride Birmingham! 