Ruth Cumming
@ruthcumming.bsky.social
Mum of 4 | 🧒🏻 2011 🧒🏼 2012 👧🏻🧒🏼 2017 |
Living in Birmingham UK
Getting around by🚶🏻♀️🚲 🚌 🚆| own no car
Trying to minimise our impact on planet 🌎
Living in Birmingham UK
Getting around by🚶🏻♀️🚲 🚌 🚆| own no car
Trying to minimise our impact on planet 🌎
Is it just me/in the West Midlands, or is bus tracking completely broken this weekend? Can’t get real time info on google maps, bustimes.org or bus stops. Disconcerting waiting at a stop without it 😬
Bus Times
bustimes.org
November 9, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Is it just me/in the West Midlands, or is bus tracking completely broken this weekend? Can’t get real time info on google maps, bustimes.org or bus stops. Disconcerting waiting at a stop without it 😬
Finally caught up with the WM Active Travel & Road Safety Commissioners’ chat on @activetravelcaf.bsky.social (I can never make it live, it’s right after work when we’re dealing with tea & kids’ activities) Sounds like they’re up to great things locally. Hoping for change! youtu.be/ftXA6UhTzp8?...
30 Sep 25: Transport for West Midlands
YouTube video by Active Travel Cafe
youtu.be
October 11, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Finally caught up with the WM Active Travel & Road Safety Commissioners’ chat on @activetravelcaf.bsky.social (I can never make it live, it’s right after work when we’re dealing with tea & kids’ activities) Sounds like they’re up to great things locally. Hoping for change! youtu.be/ftXA6UhTzp8?...
Transport modes for Saturday afternoon activities for the kids: last week a party for 8yo son - we used 🚌; this week a Scout Jamboree selection day for 12yo son - we used 🚗 club. Different locations, different circumstances, different best tools for each job. Privileged to have this much choice.
October 5, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Transport modes for Saturday afternoon activities for the kids: last week a party for 8yo son - we used 🚌; this week a Scout Jamboree selection day for 12yo son - we used 🚗 club. Different locations, different circumstances, different best tools for each job. Privileged to have this much choice.
What’s the hardest thing about not owning a car? When we first sold the car, I’d have guessed something like inconvenience or it takes more time to travel. But now, 5 years later, honestly I’d say the mental energy involved having to explain to others why we don’t need their (well intentioned) lift.
October 4, 2025 at 8:18 AM
What’s the hardest thing about not owning a car? When we first sold the car, I’d have guessed something like inconvenience or it takes more time to travel. But now, 5 years later, honestly I’d say the mental energy involved having to explain to others why we don’t need their (well intentioned) lift.
Reposted by Ruth Cumming
I made a new thing 🧵 Working with @transportforall.org.uk we have built an even better spreadsheet for analysing streets (actual or being designed) and showing their likely accessibility for different disabled people. It’s free to download and use www.rossatkin.com/wp/?portfoli...
Tool for Equitable StreetScapes (TESS) – Ross Atkin Associates
www.rossatkin.com
September 17, 2025 at 2:53 PM
I made a new thing 🧵 Working with @transportforall.org.uk we have built an even better spreadsheet for analysing streets (actual or being designed) and showing their likely accessibility for different disabled people. It’s free to download and use www.rossatkin.com/wp/?portfoli...
We’ve had a busy summer so far, juggling work and spending time with the kids, and we’ve not been on a family holiday yet. Day trips, local trips, parks, Scout camps, staying with grandparents and cousins… and more! No car necessary: all doable by walking, cycling, bus or train.
August 16, 2025 at 2:33 PM
We’ve had a busy summer so far, juggling work and spending time with the kids, and we’ve not been on a family holiday yet. Day trips, local trips, parks, Scout camps, staying with grandparents and cousins… and more! No car necessary: all doable by walking, cycling, bus or train.
Reposted by Ruth Cumming
The economic value of buses in England’s Economic Heartland is neatly captured in this new report.
Every £1 invested in buses generates an estimated £4.55 in wider economic benefits.
Over £2.6bn is spent by bus users in the local area (including in shops & leisure venues).
Every £1 invested in buses generates an estimated £4.55 in wider economic benefits.
Over £2.6bn is spent by bus users in the local area (including in shops & leisure venues).
August 5, 2025 at 11:43 AM
The economic value of buses in England’s Economic Heartland is neatly captured in this new report.
Every £1 invested in buses generates an estimated £4.55 in wider economic benefits.
Over £2.6bn is spent by bus users in the local area (including in shops & leisure venues).
Every £1 invested in buses generates an estimated £4.55 in wider economic benefits.
Over £2.6bn is spent by bus users in the local area (including in shops & leisure venues).
I rode into town to join @betterstreetsforbirmingham.org demo marking a year since Bham City Council declared a Road Safety Emergency. We held 2 min silence & 23 white roses to remember those who died on Bham roads this year. I don’t accept any road death as an inevitable fact of life in the city.
August 2, 2025 at 8:04 AM
I rode into town to join @betterstreetsforbirmingham.org demo marking a year since Bham City Council declared a Road Safety Emergency. We held 2 min silence & 23 white roses to remember those who died on Bham roads this year. I don’t accept any road death as an inevitable fact of life in the city.
Reposted by Ruth Cumming
Join us on Friday 1st August to mark one year of Birmingham's road safety emergency. Meet in Victoria Square at 5pm for a 5.30pm start. Stay around for the monthly Circle the City ride.
July 21, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Join us on Friday 1st August to mark one year of Birmingham's road safety emergency. Meet in Victoria Square at 5pm for a 5.30pm start. Stay around for the monthly Circle the City ride.
Next weekend we need to get the 14yo to Scout camp, the 12yo to a different Scout camp, & the twins to swim lessons all at the same time. This is not a lack of car issue, as people often assume. This is just we can’t be in several places at once. Good job the 14yo can get himself places by train.
July 26, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Next weekend we need to get the 14yo to Scout camp, the 12yo to a different Scout camp, & the twins to swim lessons all at the same time. This is not a lack of car issue, as people often assume. This is just we can’t be in several places at once. Good job the 14yo can get himself places by train.
Out of office on! Birthday 🎉 weekend, followed by 2 days off paid work, to spend time with the kids on days out. Starting with a podcast that I’ve been looking forward to, and can’t wait to read the upcoming book! Thanks @podstreetsahead.bsky.social @modacitylife.com shows.acast.com/streets-ahea...
Women Changing Cities
Podcast Episode · Streets Ahead · 21/07/2025 · 40m
podcasts.apple.com
July 25, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Out of office on! Birthday 🎉 weekend, followed by 2 days off paid work, to spend time with the kids on days out. Starting with a podcast that I’ve been looking forward to, and can’t wait to read the upcoming book! Thanks @podstreetsahead.bsky.social @modacitylife.com shows.acast.com/streets-ahea...
Gone up to £15, but still excellent value for 6 of us to get to Coventry and back in a day, using any train or bus (or tram, but not useful) in the nNetwork WM area. Handily we came home with the 14yo: when we drop them all there, we don’t come back with a child, so it’d be invalid on the way home.
July 20, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Gone up to £15, but still excellent value for 6 of us to get to Coventry and back in a day, using any train or bus (or tram, but not useful) in the nNetwork WM area. Handily we came home with the 14yo: when we drop them all there, we don’t come back with a child, so it’d be invalid on the way home.
End of an era today: last Beavers ever and last infant school run for me (dad will do it for the next couple of days before end of term). Not sure how my youngest kids got so big?! At least we don’t have all the year 6 things this year to add to all the end of term fun and games.
July 16, 2025 at 7:55 PM
End of an era today: last Beavers ever and last infant school run for me (dad will do it for the next couple of days before end of term). Not sure how my youngest kids got so big?! At least we don’t have all the year 6 things this year to add to all the end of term fun and games.
Reposted by Ruth Cumming
New @ippr.org report out today
Transport isn’t working for low-income households
Reducing car dependence is essential for providing greater access to opportunity, cutting transport costs and reducing the harms caused by car-dominated places
Read how the UK government can achieve this👇
Transport isn’t working for low-income households
Reducing car dependence is essential for providing greater access to opportunity, cutting transport costs and reducing the harms caused by car-dominated places
Read how the UK government can achieve this👇
The transport challenge for low-income households | IPPR
Transport policy can make a material difference to people’s finances, especially those struggling to make ends meet. It can also help people better access
www.ippr.org
July 15, 2025 at 6:07 AM
New @ippr.org report out today
Transport isn’t working for low-income households
Reducing car dependence is essential for providing greater access to opportunity, cutting transport costs and reducing the harms caused by car-dominated places
Read how the UK government can achieve this👇
Transport isn’t working for low-income households
Reducing car dependence is essential for providing greater access to opportunity, cutting transport costs and reducing the harms caused by car-dominated places
Read how the UK government can achieve this👇
Reposted by Ruth Cumming
'Ethan Akotiah, 22, who lives off Stratford Road, said: "It's terrible, it's getting worse and worse.
My nan was in a collision and so was my mom. It's constant
... I fear for my family's life."'
@betterstreetsforbirmingham.org
www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...
My nan was in a collision and so was my mom. It's constant
... I fear for my family's life."'
@betterstreetsforbirmingham.org
www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...
'I fear for my family's life' - city road protest as road safety 'getting worse'
Drivers sounded their horns and gave the thumbs up as camopaigners demanded action at crash blackspot
www.birminghammail.co.uk
July 13, 2025 at 3:35 PM
'Ethan Akotiah, 22, who lives off Stratford Road, said: "It's terrible, it's getting worse and worse.
My nan was in a collision and so was my mom. It's constant
... I fear for my family's life."'
@betterstreetsforbirmingham.org
www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...
My nan was in a collision and so was my mom. It's constant
... I fear for my family's life."'
@betterstreetsforbirmingham.org
www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...
Reposted by Ruth Cumming
Fewer cars --> Safer streets
In London, Low Traffic Neighborhoods saw a 35% drop in all traffic injuries and a 37% drop in deaths/serious injuries.
injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/earl...
In London, Low Traffic Neighborhoods saw a 35% drop in all traffic injuries and a 37% drop in deaths/serious injuries.
injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/earl...
July 13, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Fewer cars --> Safer streets
In London, Low Traffic Neighborhoods saw a 35% drop in all traffic injuries and a 37% drop in deaths/serious injuries.
injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/earl...
In London, Low Traffic Neighborhoods saw a 35% drop in all traffic injuries and a 37% drop in deaths/serious injuries.
injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/earl...
Swim lessons were cancelled (again) so we decided to go for a splash time swim, as an activity to cool down for all of us 💦 & to give the twins some practice whilst lessons are off. Easy to get the bus, no worries about a parking space. Even better one day if the A38 cycle route ever gets extended!
July 13, 2025 at 6:45 AM
Swim lessons were cancelled (again) so we decided to go for a splash time swim, as an activity to cool down for all of us 💦 & to give the twins some practice whilst lessons are off. Easy to get the bus, no worries about a parking space. Even better one day if the A38 cycle route ever gets extended!
Reposted by Ruth Cumming
Latest study to conclude that providing children more & diverse opportunities to be active is a good idea.
“These findings highlight the importance of both active mobility and physical activity for enhancing children's well-being…”
Regular cycling found to be particularly beneficial for wellbeing.
“These findings highlight the importance of both active mobility and physical activity for enhancing children's well-being…”
Regular cycling found to be particularly beneficial for wellbeing.
Children's active mobility, physical activity and well-being
Globally, children are experiencing declining rates of physical activity, which is mirrored by a reduction in active mobility. While physical activity…
www.sciencedirect.com
July 13, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Latest study to conclude that providing children more & diverse opportunities to be active is a good idea.
“These findings highlight the importance of both active mobility and physical activity for enhancing children's well-being…”
Regular cycling found to be particularly beneficial for wellbeing.
“These findings highlight the importance of both active mobility and physical activity for enhancing children's well-being…”
Regular cycling found to be particularly beneficial for wellbeing.
Reposted by Ruth Cumming
Dammit kids, get off your screens and go outside!!!
Just kidding, stay inside and stop bothering the neighbourhood and drivers by playing on your street
Just kidding, stay inside and stop bothering the neighbourhood and drivers by playing on your street
July 10, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Dammit kids, get off your screens and go outside!!!
Just kidding, stay inside and stop bothering the neighbourhood and drivers by playing on your street
Just kidding, stay inside and stop bothering the neighbourhood and drivers by playing on your street
I had a trip to London today for the launch of a research report I’ve been involved in. Great to be in Parliament to talk about this important work. Most importantly we heard from some of the disabled people who had taken part in the research. These are the voices who planners need to listen to.
July 8, 2025 at 8:26 PM
I had a trip to London today for the launch of a research report I’ve been involved in. Great to be in Parliament to talk about this important work. Most importantly we heard from some of the disabled people who had taken part in the research. These are the voices who planners need to listen to.
Reposted by Ruth Cumming
Who doesn’t love a local featival?
See you there.
‘Don't drive to CoCoMAD - there is NO parking. It's a local festival for local people or those prepared to cycle, walk or use public transport.’
cotteridgepark.org.uk/cocomad-info
See you there.
‘Don't drive to CoCoMAD - there is NO parking. It's a local festival for local people or those prepared to cycle, walk or use public transport.’
cotteridgepark.org.uk/cocomad-info
CoCoMAD visitors' info — Friends of Cotteridge Park
cotteridgepark.org.uk
July 5, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Who doesn’t love a local featival?
See you there.
‘Don't drive to CoCoMAD - there is NO parking. It's a local festival for local people or those prepared to cycle, walk or use public transport.’
cotteridgepark.org.uk/cocomad-info
See you there.
‘Don't drive to CoCoMAD - there is NO parking. It's a local festival for local people or those prepared to cycle, walk or use public transport.’
cotteridgepark.org.uk/cocomad-info
Reposted by Ruth Cumming
Reposted by Ruth Cumming
Bit baffled by this fake news in the commons today that floating bus stops are a completely new thing (various MPs saying they first appeared in 2013).
Here's one on the Marston Road Cycle track, which dates from the 1930s. Many bus stops there from pre-2013.
Look outside London lads!
Here's one on the Marston Road Cycle track, which dates from the 1930s. Many bus stops there from pre-2013.
Look outside London lads!
July 2, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Bit baffled by this fake news in the commons today that floating bus stops are a completely new thing (various MPs saying they first appeared in 2013).
Here's one on the Marston Road Cycle track, which dates from the 1930s. Many bus stops there from pre-2013.
Look outside London lads!
Here's one on the Marston Road Cycle track, which dates from the 1930s. Many bus stops there from pre-2013.
Look outside London lads!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I couldn’t make it to see the film yesterday due to work and family commitments this week. Looks like people thought it was a great film, and I hope I can see it another time. Such an important topic to draw attention to so families affected are not forgotten.
I couldn’t make it to see the film yesterday due to work and family commitments this week. Looks like people thought it was a great film, and I hope I can see it another time. Such an important topic to draw attention to so families affected are not forgotten.
Birmingham dangerous driving documentary made due to 'fear'
Sarah Chaundler says she still sees people using their mobile phones while behind the wheel.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 27, 2025 at 5:52 AM
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I couldn’t make it to see the film yesterday due to work and family commitments this week. Looks like people thought it was a great film, and I hope I can see it another time. Such an important topic to draw attention to so families affected are not forgotten.
I couldn’t make it to see the film yesterday due to work and family commitments this week. Looks like people thought it was a great film, and I hope I can see it another time. Such an important topic to draw attention to so families affected are not forgotten.
Our nearest CoWheels car club vehicle now has a higher bonnet than the previous one (a Toyota Auris estate, which was vandalised recently so they’ve replaced it). Great to have access to a car at all, but concerning that driving this new one is riskier.
June 14, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Our nearest CoWheels car club vehicle now has a higher bonnet than the previous one (a Toyota Auris estate, which was vandalised recently so they’ve replaced it). Great to have access to a car at all, but concerning that driving this new one is riskier.