Low-traffic cycle routes

The A38 blue route is a two-way cycle lane that runs from the University's South Gate to the city centre. The lanes are completely segregated from Bristol Road traffic, and there are specially controlled lights so you can safely cross junctions.

If you follow the route to its end, you'll arrive in the buzzing heart of Birmingham's Southside, which boasts theatres, restaurants, and markets. Cross the city centre to get to the A34 cycle route, the blue route for the north of the city.

The Rea Valley route is a mainly off-road corridor through local parks and green spaces, which connects Kings Norton, Stirchley, Northfield, and Longbridge to Cannon Hill Park.

This stretch is part of National Cycle Network Route 5, so you can continue your ride north to Lichfield or south to Oxford and beyond.

For shorter journeys to campus, cut along Pebble Mill Road to get from Cannon Hill Park to the Bristol Road cycleway, or cycle down Oakflield Road to reach South Gate directly. 

The Worcester and Birmingham canal runs through Bournville, Selly Oak, Kings Norton, and passes the outskirts of campus.

You can reach the towpath from Westgate, just before the old entrance to University Station. The canal continues through Edgbaston and onward to the city centre. Its smooth surfaced towpath is perfect for commuting cyclists.

Bourn Brook Walkway connects campus to Woodgate Valley Country Park.

Following the line of the stream that gives the route its name, the walkway is smooth-surfaced in Woodgate Valley and gravelly between Harborne Lane and Northfield Road. Some have compared this stretch to the famous white roads of Tuscany's Strade Bianche cycle classic; we'll let you decide for yourself!

Recent improvement works include reedbeds for wildlife and a more open entrance on Harborne Lane; from here you can connect to the cycle route on Vincent Drive for the final leg to campus. 

Following an old train line, the shared-use Harborne Walkway connects Edgbaston, Bearwood and Cape Hill to Harborne, from which commuters can ride through back roads to campus.

Wooded banks line the way, and the tree canopy creates a green and sheltered space nestled within the city. A series of tunnels take you under all main roads, and there is a fine view of Harborne's red-bricked buildings and slate roofs as you arrive in the neighbourhood.

At the north end of the route, continue through Summerfield Park to connect to the Birmingham Canal New Main Line, just north of Icknield Port Loop. Alternatively, you can exit the park eastwards to take a tour of Edgbaston Reservoir.

Numerous routes to campus can be found on quiet roads from Sparkhill, Moseley, Balsall Heath, King's Heath and beyond.