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kirstendevos.bsky.social
Kirsten de Vos 🚶🏻‍♀️💚🚲🍃
@kirstendevos.bsky.social
2.7K followers 1.5K following 1.3K posts
Birmingham Spokesperson for Mums for Lungs 💚
Mum of 3 👩‍👧‍👦 | Clean air & safe streets advocate
@mumsforlungs.bsky.social @betterstreetsforbirmingham.org 🌱
#ActiveTravel 🚶‍♀️🚲 | #SafeStreets
📍 Birmingham
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kirstendevos.bsky.social
Christmas lights switch-on last night - and the street felt so much better opened up to people.
A space designed for walking, wheeling (that rumoured cycle path 👀), and community could make Moseley Village Green even better for the market, events and everyday village life.

#Moseley #PlacesForPeople
November 30, 2025 at 4:14 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Great to see people casting their sweetie wrapper to show support for sustainability at the Moseley CDT stall at the Arts Market this morning! 🌱🍬
#CarFreeStreets #ActiveTravel #Retrofit #GreenEnergy
A close-up of a laminated sheet titled “That could mean…” showing eight numbered community priorities, each in its own coloured box. The priorities include topics such as building community knowledge, growing community spaces, supporting sustainability, shaping the local environment, and championing local businesses. In front of the sheet are several empty or partially filled jars with sweet wrappers inside, used for voting. Tinsel decor and part of a colourful flyer are visible at the edges. A tabletop display with eight numbered jars containing sweet wrappers used as votes, surrounded by flyers, small flower arrangements, tinsel, and a tub of chocolates. A green “Newsletter Sign Up” leaflet sits in the foreground. A community market stall with three people behind a table displaying leaflets, jars with sweet wrappers, and festive decorations. A visitor stands in front, and winter-themed window art is visible in the background.
November 29, 2025 at 4:22 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Here’s their exact wording. I think I’ll escalate ..
While our Royal Charter & Agreement prohibits us from advertising, our output is obliged to reflect the real world around us in which we all live, and this may involve references to commercial organisations, products or services. To clarify, seeing or hearing about a brand or product in a BBC programme is not "advertising" or "product placement" because the BBC doesn't receive money to promote products.
November 27, 2025 at 4:44 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Thank you for contacting us about The Celebrity Traitors. While our Royal Charter & Agreement prohibits us from advertising, our output is obliged to reflect the real world around us in which we all live, and this may involve references to commercial organisations, products or services. To clarify, seeing or hearing about a brand or product in a BBC programme is not "advertising" or "product placement" because the BBC doesn't receive money to promote products. Additionally, the potential environmental impact of our operations is something we consider very seriously, and environmental management is integral to the BBC's vision and our performance. Our overall objective is to carry out our operations in a way which manages and minimises any adverse environmental impact and demonstrates pollution prevention, and to innovate with new technologies to save energy and resources. A key point to bear in mind, though, is that we do have to strike some kind of balance in our operations between minimising any potential adverse environmental consequences and offering programming which is relevant, engaging and visually/aurally attractive for our audiences. This is a difficult area of judgement and is somewhat subjective, however we'd be naturally very disappointed if you felt we had acted irresponsibly whilst carrying out any of our activities. We hope this response clarifies things, and please be assured that we very much value your feedback. Complaints are sent to senior management and we've included your points in our overnight reports. These reports are among the most widely read sources of feedback in the BBC. This ensures that your concerns have been seen by the right people quickly, and helps to inform decisions about current and future content. If you'd like to understand how your complaint is handled at the BBC, you might find it helpful to watch the short film on the BBC Complaints website about how the BBC responds to your feedback. It explains the BBC's process for responding to complaints, what to do if you aren't happy with your response and how we share the feedback we receive. Many thanks for taking the time to get in touch. Kind regards, BBC Complaints Team www.bbc.co.uk/complaints Please note: this email is sent from an unmonitored address so please don't reply. If necessary please contact us through our webform (please include your case reference number).
November 27, 2025 at 4:38 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Disappointed with the BBC’s reply on The Celebrity Traitors and the rise in interest in the large SUVs it features. They say it’s not advertising because no money changed hands. But these vehicles are dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and children and repeated screen time inevitably drives demand.
A post from “World News Today” with the headline “Faithful to Defender: How Celebrity Traitors has sent Land Rover interest through the roof.” Below it is an image of five black Land Rover Defenders parked in front of a large stone mansion with trees in the background.
November 27, 2025 at 4:32 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Interesting piece here about how EVs can make you feel sick - but for me it’s a reminder that the fewer car trips we all take, the better we feel. Cleaner, greener ways of getting around really do make a difference 💚
@mumsforlungs.bsky.social
inews.co.uk/inews-lifest...
A person on a bicycle (me!) holds up a ‘Cars Make Us Sick’ leaflet from Mums for Lungs on a busy street. The leaflet is in the foreground. In front of them, traffic is lined up with cars and vans queueing along the street. Trees and shops line the road on a bright, sunny day.
November 26, 2025 at 8:59 AM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Delighted to represent @mumsforlungs.bsky.social at the Healthy Air, Healthy Lives conference on Saturday. It was a really informative day - from air-quality insights to media training - and great to connect with people working for cleaner air.
Thank you to Florence and @waseemzaffar.bsky.social
A diverse group of individuals seated during a panel discussion, with informational banners and tables in a bright indoor setting. A workshop focused on clean air media in Birmingham with a presenter at the forefront and another presenter engaged with a laptop. A person (me!) holds a sign stating ‘I SUPPORT CLEAN AIR FOR ALL’ in a café, wearing a ‘MUMS FOR LUNGS’ t-shirt. Two banners display information about the Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition, listing partners and their goals for improving air quality
November 25, 2025 at 5:33 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
An insightful @globalactionplan.bsky.social webinar today (Time to Speak: The Business Case for Clean Air) highlighted the value of working with businesses on clean air and sustainable transport/workplace practices. They have real influence to drive change, and there’s potential to do more in Brum.
Screenshot of people hosting a zoom meeting - clockwise: Anna Russell (Bupa Global), Catherine Kenyon (Global Action Plan, Larissa Ro Lockwood (Global Action Plan), Roshni Mehta All Alliance for Clean Air) Justine Holmes (Share Action) Finding One: Is there a need for this collaboration? 20 out of 28 either agreed or strongly agreed that a collaboration between businesses and CSOs would lead to more effective lobbying of the UK government on more ambitious air quality standards Finding 3: Consider which businesses voices for clean air Examples of Identified Types of Businesses/Industries that might support clean air Perceived Motivation e.g. Air quality monitoring manufacturers, electric vehicle industry, micromobility, car-sharing clubs Possible direct financial benefit/incentive linked to clean air Pharmaceuticals /health-focused businesses/sports groups Link to organisational mission or values on health and wellbeing, and brand image etailers (particularly linked to life improvement brands), hospitality, property developers, built environment leads A clean air environment is more attractive to customers/visitors/clients Large employers, particularly those based in more polluted urban locations Health and productivity benefits for staff Businesses with strong ESG commitments or philanthropic missions linked to the environment and health Clean air links to ESG reporting and SDGs - links to wider environmental mission Example: Rapid Mobilisation - Cycling Works 180 Major London employers came together to support plans for new protected cycle lanes 'We have tragically lost employees in the past who have been killed while trying to cycle to or from work, we do not want to lose any more, we see the benefits of urban mobility and quality of life' Unilever Deloitte.
November 25, 2025 at 2:37 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
One of my favourite parts of the plans for the new BCFC Powerhouse stadium is the ‘Yes Ball Games’ space!

www.bbc.com/news/article...
A bright, lively urban plaza beneath a curved brick and metal stadium structure. Children are playing football and drawing with chalk on the ground. A large blue wall says ‘YES BALL GAMES’ in bold white letters. Some adults watch from above on a balcony, while others sit on nearby steps surrounded by greenery.
November 23, 2025 at 8:13 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Maybe we could look at organising a street-opening (through-traffic closure) event outside The Warehouse next time? I’m thinking of the one TAWS ran back in June ’23 for Clean Air Day with games, a led bike ride, talks and workshops - such a brilliant afternoon
A group of people sit under a red gazebo decorated with bunting, listening to a woman speaking in front of a graffiti-covered brick wall in an outdoor street-opening (closed to through traffic) event
November 23, 2025 at 9:45 AM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
On my way!
#HealthyAir #HealthyLives #BirminghamHealthyAirCoalition
#MumsForLungs #CleanAirNow! 💚
Interior of a city bus (no 50) with empty seats. The view looks toward the front, showing handrails, red grab handles, stop buttons, and the driver’s cab. The floor is wet from rain. Through the front window, buildings and a street are visible outside
November 22, 2025 at 9:42 AM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
There are still a few tickets available for the Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition’s ‘Healthy Air, Healthy Lives’ clean air event tomorrow 💚

Here’s the link:
🔗 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/healthy-ai...
November 21, 2025 at 4:12 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Please share the flyer and help spread the word! 💚🌬️
Healthy Air, Healthy Lives Saturday 22nd November, 10am - 4pm Join us at The Warehouse Cafe, Digbeth, B5 5TH, for a day filled with insightful discussions and workshops, focused on promoting clean air and healthy living Discover the latest trends in air quality, hear from passionate local experts, and learn how to meaningfully engage with both media outlets and local decision makers on the topic of air pollution in our communities. Whether you are directly impacted by air quality, a health enthusiast, environmental advocate, or simply curious about air pollution in our city, this conference is perfect for you! WE DEMAND CLEAN AIR!!! A delicious lunch will be provided, as well as refreshments during breaks. As a thank you for those able to attend for the days activities, there will be a gift card available as a gesture in recognition of your travel expenses and time See event page for details on age restrictions, travel & gift cards: https://HealthyAirHealthyLives.eventbrite.co.uk Hosted by Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition & Partners: https://brumhealthyair.org.uk/
November 19, 2025 at 6:16 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Including us! 🙋🏻‍♀️💚
A roadside cycleway in a suburban area with people on hire bikes cycling towards the camera. A large green road sign points to Bromsgrove, Selly Oak, the University of Birmingham, Calthorpe Clinic, and BMI Edgbaston Hospital. Cars are on the adjacent road, and trees line both sides. The bottom of a bicycle handlebar is visible in the foreground
November 19, 2025 at 5:34 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Another update following my appointment today - solar panels over the car park ☀️
A modern building complex (Queen Elizabeth Hospital) with curved glass facades in the background, featuring a solar panel-covered parking area in the foreground. A bike is parked beside a blue railing, with signage visible nearby.
November 18, 2025 at 7:28 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
We really lucked out with the weather yesterday! 🌤️
Eight of us cycled from Sparkbrook (Ashiana Community Project) to the airport viewing platform via Sheldon Country Park, taking in the River Cole and the Grand Union Canal along the way. A lovely 27km in great company🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️ 💚
Some women are riding bicycles along a path surrounded by trees, with sunlight filtering through the foliage. The path is lined with fallen leaves and greenery. A group of cyclists riding along a paved path through a grassy area with trees on either side, under a partly cloudy sky Some women are riding bicycles along towpath beside a canal, with a graffiti-covered wall on one side and greenery on the other. To the left hand side, modern buildings are visible under a partly cloudy sky.
November 14, 2025 at 3:06 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Nice weather if you’re a duck. Less so if you’re on a bike! #FloodedBikePath #StormClaudia
View from a cyclist’s perspective on a rainy day, showing a flooded bike lane. Water has pooled across the marked cycle path, with raindrops visible on the puddles and on the bike handlebars in the foreground. A car is beginning to reverse onto the road. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.
November 14, 2025 at 12:44 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
I just completed a survey about Meta on Instagram, and my conclusion is simple: Meta is bad for the world
A survey screen on Instagram asking: ‘Please agree or disagree with the following statement: Meta is good for the world.’ Five response options are listed: Strongly agree, Agree, Neither agree nor disagree, Disagree, and Strongly disagree. The option ‘Strongly disagree’ is selected. A blue ‘Continue’ button appears at the bottom.
November 14, 2025 at 9:30 AM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Why should pedestrians in Brum have to wait nearly a minute for a driver travelling from over half a kilometre away?

We deserves better!

Ask 2: Upgrade crossings and cut wait times so people can cross safely and quickly

✍🏼 Please co-sign the asks:

betterstreetsforbirmingham.org/10-asks-to-a...
November 11, 2025 at 4:56 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Pleased to see Birmingham City Council’s work highlighted in Air Quality News. Physical copies of their #ClearTheAir campaign were shared at their AQ conference in London this week.

airqualitynews.com/publications/

@airqualitynews.bsky.social
@mumsforlungs.bsky.social
Air Quality News Publications Air Quality News Magazine - Issue 30 - Nov'25 42 FEATURE Clean' Air! Monitors We're monitoring air quality to protect our pupils and community Switch off your engine Walk, wheel or use public transport It's time to #Clear TheAir in Birmingham By Brittany Huggins, Air Quality Monitoring (Projects) Officer Birmingham City Council's Schools Air Quality Monitoring Programme has installed over 130 Zephyr sensors across schools citywide. This marks a significant step in raising awareness on air pollution in and around schools, where children are frequently exposed to idling engines during pick-up and drop-off. National Walk to School Month saw Birmingham City Council launch their new #Clear The Air campaign highlighting the issue of air quality around the city's schools - and how air quality monitors are empowering Birmingham's local communities to take action and encourage behaviour change. *ClearTheAir builds on initiatives such as the Modeshift STARS programme already being delivered in schools, encouraging parents and pupils to walk or use public transport to travel to and from school, and addressing the issue of idling engines during pick-up and drop-off. Delivered in partnership with EarthSense, the UK's leading manufacturer of air quality products, the most recent phase has seen over 130 Zephyr sensors installed onto the exterior façades of primary and secondary schools across the city to support the Council's commitment to raising awareness of the causes of air pollution, and the steps that can be taken to reduce emissions and exposure. This builds on Phase 1, which began in January 2022 and saw 68 schools fitted with sensors. Air quality monitors installed outside schools provide real-time data that reveals the stark impact of car-heavy school runs and idling engines. All schools in the Birmingham area that sign up to the Air Quality Monitoring Programme receive a free air quality sensor. provided by Birmingham City Council, Air Quality News Publications Air Quality News Magazine - Issue 30 - Nov'25 FEATURE 43 Over the past academic year, the school has introduced a series of impactful initiatives aimed at reducing car use and improving air quality around the school site, using its two EarthSense monitors to track results. These include the launch of a Park and Stride' scheme to encourage families to walk part of the journey to school, the organisation of regular walking events and the innovative use of an outdoor classroom as a sheltered waiting area for parents. Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Birmingham City Council, said: "Through their participation in programmes such as Modeshift STARS underpinned by data from EarthSense monitors, schools like The Deanery are leading the way when it comes to educating students and parents alike of the importance of good air quality. *The benefits of walking to school are self-evident, but this campaign also focuses on the issue of idling car engines. Leaving your car engine running whilst stationary for just one minute releases enough exhaust fumes to fill 150 balloons with harmful pollutants. By simply switching off the car engine while waiting, parents and carers could be helping to protect the air children breathe every day." Speaking about the ongoing installation of monitors in schools, Owen Gardner, Chief Operating Officer at EarthSense, added: *We are delighted to be collaborating with Birmingham City Council on this major UK project, aimed at capturing real time air quality pollution data across the city. This data will enable the Council to direct measures that will reduce the pollution levels for all residents, but particularly, schoolchildren, their parents and families in these key areas." The campaign is set to further expand across the city to places of worship, focusing on areas where vehicle idling is a concern. Find out more about Birmingham City Council's work to reduce emissions at the …
November 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Loved this morning’s Women’s Breeze Ride - a relaxed 8 miles along the Worcs & Bham Canal towpath, the A38 cycleway, and the beautiful Rea Valley.

So good to see the green spaces full of life - cyclists, walkers, even kayakers! 🚴‍♀️🛶

Good for the body and soul 💚

letsride.co.uk/rides/breeze...
Two cyclists in red and pink jackets pause beside a calm canal lined with autumn trees. Fallen leaves cover the path and float on the water, and the towpath curves gently ahead under a canopy of golden foliage A cyclist rides along a leafy canal towpath while several kayakers paddle in the calm water beside them. Autumn trees arch overhead, with golden leaves reflecting on the canal’s surface. A cyclist in a bright pink jacket rides along a separated cycle path lined with trees and grass. Cars travel on the parallel road, and a blue sign ahead encourages drivers to let cyclists through. The sky is clear and blue with late autumn light.
November 8, 2025 at 2:33 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Nice one Birmingham City Council!
It’s good to see Brum leading the way on raising awareness about fireworks and air quality. Let’s celebrate without polluting our city 🎆💨 #ClearTheAir #FunWithoutFireworks #BrumBreathes
November 5, 2025 at 6:08 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
My incredibly eagle-eyed neighbour spotted that the BBC video “Free bus passes for under 22s in England scrapped” was filmed at the bus stop opposite the Dovecote in Moseley. While it’s disappointing news, it was lovely to see a little glimpse of our local gem 🕊️
@fionaamoseley.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 5:50 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
TAWS (The Active Wellbeing Society) bike mechanics being subjected to diesel fumes from an ice cream van in Cannon Hill Park this morning ☹️. Half term’s here, so lots of kids about as well…
An ice cream van is parked next to a gazebo with people (bike mechanics) and bikes underneath in a park
October 28, 2025 at 4:46 PM
kirstendevos.bsky.social
Autumn #Parkrun
Photo credit @cannonhparkrun.bsky.social 🍁🍂
October 25, 2025 at 12:31 PM