On your bike for the ‘Carfree commutes’

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On Tuesday 21st September, as part of European Mobility Week (1) and to promote World Carfree Day, Love Your Bike volunteers will be encouraging people across Greater Manchester to leave their cars at home for the day and try cycling to work on a ‘Carfree commute’.

Every year, on 22nd September people from around the world get together to highlight how reducing car-use can help make local communities healthier and nicer places to live. (2)

The ‘Carfree commutes’ are ‘led’ cycle rides from various locations in the Manchester region. Cycling together can help people with less experience of cycling to gain the confidence and experience to cycle on the roads. All the cycle routes finish in Manchester City Centre at Exchange Square, Corporation Street. (3)

All participants can enter a free prize draw for cycle shop vouchers (donated by FW Evans) and there will also be free “coffee n cake” (or tea!) available from at the Titchy Coffee Co in the Triangle.

Catherine Thomson from Love Your Bike said:

Cycling is a quick, low cost and healthy way to get around. We would encourage people to give their cars the day off and try cycling to work.

On the last Friday of each month (except December), Bike Friday combines a range of cycle rides into the City Centre from various locations as well as working with companies and local authorities in Greater Manchester to promote cycling, improve cycle facilities and to encourage more people to continue cycling to school, work and for leisure all year round. Bike Friday is part of the Love Your Bike campaign. The next Bike Friday will take place on 24th September.

ENDS

CONTACTS FOR COMMENTS

Pete Abel, Manchester FoE Mobile: 07951 642858

Catherine Thomson, Manchester FoE, Mobile: 07956 577206

Notes to Editors:

[1] Widespread and increasing use of motor vehicles in urban areas impacts not only human health but also the quality of life in cities. During European Mobility Week, 16–22 September, more than 1 500 cities across Europe will promote sustainable transport in urban areas and let their residents enjoy a car-free day.

www.mobilityweek.eu/

[2] More details of World Carfree day at www.worldcarfree.net/wcfd/

[3] The “Carfree Commute” cycle rides start at 8am from Chorlton Library, Levenshulme Station, Prestwich Pizza Express, Stretford Mall and Withington Library and finish at approx 8.30am at the Triangle, Corporation Street, City Centre. The Worsley, Monton, Salford to Manchester City Centre route starts at the earlier time of 7.40am.

The cycle rides will go a moderate pace, have experienced ride leaders, are entirely law-abiding and can help people develop more confidence in their cycling abilities. For details of the routes see: www.bikefriday.org or join the Bike Friday Facebook group www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=99198337652

[4] Love Your Bike is an award winning Manchester based campaign aiming to promote cycling and help make it an even more attractive, accessible and fun way to get around. Co-ordinated by Manchester Friends of the Earth, the campaign works in partnership with other like-minded organisations. See www.loveyourbike.org