Birmingham’s status as an emerging cycle city means there’s a real fellowship among bike riders. Bike shops are friendly and helpful, with long-established outlets now being joined by modern-style shops which will sell you a latte with your lubricant. A busy events calendar includes repair sessions, family rides, Critical Mass and jumble sales.

Cycle parking is improving, with some 600 locations across the city. Bike theft is far from endemic but you should still take care locking up your steed, particularly in the centre; New Street station is notorious for it. You can take bikes on any local London Midland train without booking; the longer-distance Virgin, CrossCountry and Arriva trains are less easy.

Push Bikes, Birmingham’s cycle advocacy group, campaigns for better facilities and publishes an informative newsletter. The city also has an active Sustrans ranger group.