Routes through Birmingham Centre?

[upandover]

Hi,

I'[m looking at a new job, which would mean commuting from the edges of SW B'ham, (Bartley Green) to Castle Vale on the edge of NE Birmingham. 12ish miles best route so far (avoiding the fort parkway)

I think that a bike commute may be possible in just over an hour, but I'm not sure of good routes through the city. I spent some time on pershore road out of rush hour today, and even then the traffic limited my speed considerably, and meant doging traffic.

Could any Brummie's recommend a good, and preferably less busy route across Birmingham please, coming in somewhere on the bristol road before Mcdonalds, and heading over top-right way please? I have a cycle-route B'ham map somewhere, which I'll dig out shortly, but am not sure if it will help?

Thanks if you can, and for that matter, if you can't.

Steve

 

[Will1985]

Not sure about after Bristol Street, but before that is basically my return route from Halesowen velodrome.

 

[upandover]

Thanks. Perhaps I could be clearer. Going in and out of town is ok, I know the to town route fairly well, and would probably come via the university, and round the back down Wellington road, to the Bristol Road. (though I'd be interested to know how you do it).

Thanks again. I guess really, it's about finding a safe way through town that concerns me. Doesn't feel very safe on the big roads!

Steve

 

[Downward]

Yeah that's a bit of a mare as the shortest way means the Bristol Road and though town that way.
Don't know Castle Vale but would going through Harborne up towards Ladywood by the Wagon and Horses be any better ??

 

[Nortones2]

Have you considered the canals? IIRC, the Tame is canalised, and runs just to the north of Castle Vale. From Birchfield Harrier days

 

[upandover]

Thanks guys, these are all very helpful. Iĺl see if I can find time Sunday to have a play with these routes. I not absolutely sure I want the job, and the cycle route to it could clinch it. Itś likely to be a not too pleasant drive.

Thanks - & feel free to add anything else

Steve

 

[Downward]

Where you commuting from and to at the moment ?

 

[upandover]

Currently from B32 bartley green,to DY5 brierley hill. 8.5 miles, a good few hills, including a gentle, but taxing out of the door, first three miles uphill.

This would be longer, but i can imagine, less hold-ups, considerably less hills per mile, and a different sort of road.

Currently 35 mins ish by car, 45 mins on bike. My hope is that I could if i got the job, i could do the commute (13 miles best/safe route so far) in an hour with some practice and direction.

how about you guys?

Steve

 

[Downward]

Colley gate way to Harborne - Straight Road on the A458 all the way into Halesowen, Up Mucklow Hill over quinton, down past new Tesco and across Court oak road then down towards harborne.

 

[sheddy]

Can't help with the detail but do you have the free Brum Cycling map ?
http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=77274&CONTENT_ITEM_TYPE=0&MENU_ID=14179

 

[upandover]

Good question - thanks.

Actually, after all the help I didn't apply! I really like my current job, and hanging on paid off, as today I got two years funding approved from April!

I can't say I'm disappointed not to commute through the centre!

thanks for asking.
Steve