Fast lanes in the future, speakers inspire commuters to cycle
Birmingham cyclists hope to follow in Manchester’s tracks
A year after Manchester Friends of the Earth’s successful ‘Love Your Bike’ campaign; will Birmingham be the next city to transform its streets for cycling? On Monday, bike enthusiasts will be gathering in Birmingham to discuss the reality of transforming the ‘City of the Car’ into a haven for cyclists. The event hopes to inspire those attending to campaign for a more bicycle-friendly Brum.
Taking place on Monday 2 April from 6.00pm onwards, an event by Birmingham Friends of the Earth at the Warehouse Café in Digbeth. As well as the chance to hear from a range of cycling experts, the event also promises some lively debate, bike-related stalls and a delicious vegetarian menu on offer from 6.00-7.00pm. Speakers include Graeme Sherriff from Manchester Friends of the Earth's award-winning £30,000 "Love Your Bike" campaign,[1] Graham Lennard from Birmingham City Council Cycling and Walking Team and Birmingham Critical Mass riders Ethan-Etienne Woerhling and Rob Tilling. This event is intended to be a launchpad for cyclists to campaign to improve cycling for Birmingham's commuters.
Libby Hayward of Birmingham Friends of the Earth says “Cycling is not only a cheaper, more sustainable alternative to driving, but for many Birmingham commuters it is by far the quickest way to beat congestion and get into work. We want to campaign to see better provision for cyclists to tempt more people out of their cars and onto their bikes. After all, as well as being better for your pocket, your waistline and the planet – cycling is really fun too!”
ENDS
Notes to editors
[1] www.manchesterfoe.org.uk/lyb/index.php
Manchester Friends of the Earth launched their “Love Your Bike” Campaign in March 2006 with billboard and back-of-bus messages sporting the 'fast lane, fat lane' image.(www.manchesterfoe.org.uk/lyb/lovegallery.php)
Additionally they created an interactive website for cyclists, where among other things cyclists could share bicycle routes, highlights and blackspots.
www.manchesterfoe.org.uk/lyb/logicoflove_city.php
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The energy efficiency of cycling is estimated to be the equivalent of a car doing 1600 miles on a gallon of petrol
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In the UK, an average car produces approximately 3.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, cycling contributes zero to green house gas emissions.
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Bicycle construction uses less than 2 % of materials found in a small car
