About

Bournville gentle cycle rides started early in 2013, following John Bennett’s successful application for support to Bournville Village Trust.  The rides are run by Push Bikes, the Birmingham campaign group for better cycling.  The aim is to encourage people who are not regular cyclists to get on their bikes for easy and sociable outings.  Routes are mostly traffic-free, exploring local paths and parks.  We try to avoid hills, the pace is very gentle and new riders are welcome. If you have a rarely-used bike in the shed, or you're not confident about riding on your own, or you just fancy some fresh air and gentle exercise, come and join us.  We offer friendly advice to those with concerns about their cycling skills or their bikes and, if you’re worried about fitness, we’ll always walk or wait.  We go at the pace of the slowest rider, and rides are FREE.

The number of riders has steadily increased, and it is now not unusual for more than 20 people to turn up for a Saturday morning ride.  To cater for people who would like to extend their range, there is a programme of longer rides in spring and summer, in addition to the regular gentle ride.  For details see "Ride programme 2021" above.

We meet on Saturdays at Rowheath Pavilion at 09.50, for a prompt 10.00 start.  The regular gentle ride is between 10 and 15 miles. There is usually a stop for coffee, and you might like to bring a snack and a drink, particularly on longer rides. Regular destinations include Waseley Hills and Woodgate Valley Country Parks, the city centre via the towpath, Harborne walkway, the Cole Valley, Cannon Hill Park, and Maypole via the country lanes beyond Kings Norton. Routes since this blog was set up early in November 2013 are shown on the "rides" tab above, with links to maps.

For people who can come out on weekdays, there are also rides on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The Monday ride leaves Rowheath at 09:45.  We usually go further and faster than the regular Saturday ride.

The Wednesday ride is a mid-week version of the regular Saturday rides - similar pace and distance.  Meet at Rowheath at 10.00.

Click here for a map showing Rowheath Pavilion.