Low-Traffic Routes to Campus

The A38 blue route is a two-way cycle lane that runs from campus's South Gate to the city centre. The lanes are completely segregated from Bristol Road traffic, and there are specially controlled lights to safely cross junctions. Great for commuters from Balsall Heath, the
city centre and beyond.

You arrive in the buzzing heart of Birmingham's Southside, with its 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 that connects King's Norton, Stirchley, Northfield, Longbridge and beyond to Cannon Hill Park.

This stretch is part of NCN 5 national cycle route, 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 campus's South Gate direct.

The Birmingham to Worcester Canal runs from Bournville, Selly Oak, King's Norton and beyond with University station and then on to Edgbaston and the city centre. Its smooth surfaced towpath is perfect for commuting cyclists.

Cyclists who share with care are welcome on the Bourn Brook walkway route, which connects campus to Woodgate Valley Country Park.

Following the line of the stream that gives its name, the route 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. You'll have to make up your own mind!

Recent improvment works include reedbeds for wildlife and a more open entrance on Harborne Lane, from where 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 Smethwick main line canal just north of Icknield Port Loop or 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.