NEWS: Businessman uses paddle power to avoid tunnels traffic

With Birmingham’s tunnels closed for essential refurbishment, commuters to the city centre are looking to alternative means of transport to get around.

Mike Bandar, who runs a dating website from Innovation Birmingham Campus on Faraday Wharf, has discovered his own alternative mode of transport for coming to work - his kayak!

The local entrepreneur began kayaking to work from his home the Jewellery Quarter during the Birmingham tunnel closures last summer, and has taken it up again as a result of the second and final stage of the tunnels refurbishment.

By using his kayak, Mr Bandar cuts 10 minutes off the time that it took him to drive to work and finds that travelling on the canal is about 5 minutes quicker than walking.

“It’s not just about saving time,” Mr Bandar explained. “Being caught up in traffic can be frustrating but there are so many other options for travelling around the city that mean you can avoid it.”

Talking about his journey on Birmingham’s canals Mr Bandar said: “"I quickly realised that my time on the canal was the only time in the day I wasn't in front of a screen or dashing between meetings. I now cherish my commutes as a bit of 'me time' providing me with the luxury to reflect on the day or simply take in the charming sights along the canal. It's also a great way to incorporate a bit of fitness into my routine."

While he admits that he is a “fair weather kayaker” and that he doesn’t kayak in the winter when the darker evenings draw in, Mr Bandar explained that he had once kayaked through a thunderstorm.

“I watched a storm brewing out of the window and knowing I had to kayak home I decided to make a break for it leaving the office slightly earlier. As soon as I had hit the water the skies opened into a full scale thunderstorm. Soaked through, I continued home as the atmosphere grew increasingly moody. I must say it was one of my best trips yet," he said describing the experience. 

Amey, the company delivering the tunnels refurbishment project in partnership with Birmingham City Council, is encouraging motorists to use alternative transport to travel around the city centre while the essential works are carried out, with public transport, walking and cycling all viable options. The tunnels will be fully closed until 6am on Monday 1st September.