A revolution is happening in the UK, and it is happening quietly. Inspired by the Copenhagen Bicycle Account, Bike Life is the biggest assessment of cycling in cities and urban areas across the UK and Ireland.

Started in Birmingham, but now in 12 cities across the country, Bike Life has informed policy decisions, justified investment and enabled cities to develop more ambitious action plans for cycling.

In this episode we look at the city that started it all, and which has invested in the gold standard for cycling lanes. We also look at new government guidelines for safe cycle routes, and the asphalt that helps make it all possible.

Guests

Brian Kent, National Technical Director, Tarmac

Martin Philpot, Regional Design Engineering Lead, Sustrans

Waseem Zaffar, Councillor, Birmingham City Council

Supporter

This podcast was produced in association with Shell Bitumen who, for over 50 years, has been supplying the specialist synthetic binder for coloured asphalts around the world. 

Resources

Councillor Zaffar learning to ride: 

A journey along the A38 Super Cycle Highway: 

Cycle Infrastructure Design guidance:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/906344/cycle-infrastructure-design-ltn-1-20.pdf

Summary of the guidance by Mayer Brown:

https://mayerbrown.co.uk/keep-up-to-date/blog/posts/ltn-120-the-new-cycling-infrastructure-standards/#:~:text=Designers%20should%20aim%20to%20provide,the%20density%20of%20land%20use.