Creating and maintaining cycle paths is less expensive than doing the same thing for roadways that carry larger, heavier vehicles (International, 2011). The economy can also be helped along because commuters on cycles will often stop at smaller shops and get what they need on the way to or from work. That stimulates the economy and allows smaller shop owners to expand and hire more workers, which is beneficial for the unemployment rate and helps to bring more money into the city and into the pockets of workers in that city. There are also social benefits, such as the friendships that can be made by people who commute to work together each day by cycle (International, 2011). Similar to carpooling, this allows people who live close to one another and work near each other to cycle into work together and have a conversation while riding along. Some people make friends with others that they would not have talked to or gotten to know, save for the fact that they both have the same basic route to work and back on the cycle paths. While Birmingham does have a cycling community, those who commute are often more concerned about getting to and from a specific place rather than cycling on weekends or sightseeing.

Helping the environment is another way bike routes can be important. Cars pollute, and while they are still needed there is no reason why there cannot be more cycles as a way of mitigating the effects of automobiles. Bicycles are very earth friendly, and they are a healthy way to get from one destination to another (International, 2011). Even people who are not that interested in protecting the environment can do so without much effort on their part, simply be using commuter...

There are some times when a car will certainly be necessary, but when the weather is good more people can ride cycles if there are available paths for them to use. Cities like Birmingham are not completely cycle friendly, but that can be changed.
Conclusion

As can be seen from the information presented, there are many issues that surround the creation of a commuter cycle path for Birmingham. It is not possible to simply tie everything in together and make it the commuter path, because areas of it are not in the right locations and the terrain is not appropriate for commuter traffic on a daily basis. There are also environmental and economic issues, as well as social concerns, that must be observed in order to make a commuter cycle path in Birmingham a reality. By working closely with the City Council, it will be possible to make the cycle path a reality, but it will take time and effort all around.

References

Ackroyd, P. 2001. London: The Biography. London: Vintage.

Berg, J. 1994. Positively Birmingham. England: Birmingham Picture Library.

Birmingham City Council. (2011). Home Page. http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/

Cherry, G.E. 1994. Birmingham A Study in Geography, History and Planning. England: Academy Press.

International Bicycle Fund. 60+ Benefits (Advantages) of Bicycling. http://www.ibike.org/encouragement/benefits.htm

Leather, P. 2001. A brief history of Birmingham. England: Brewin Books.

Sarig, R. 1997. The Everything Bicycle Book. New York: Adams Media Corporation.