BikeFridayPostcard2018

Cycle campaigners call on Greater Manchester to “Vote for Cycling!”

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release

On Friday 27th April, Manchester Friends of the Earth will be encouraging people across Greater Manchester to ‘Vote for Cycling’ when casting their vote in the local elections.

Ahead, of the local elections on 3rd May, Manchester Friends of the Earth have been asking all local election candidates if they will:

“support your local council allocating funding to implement the walking and cycling (active travel) measures contained in Chris Boardman’s ‘Made to Move’ report? ” [1]

The responses from the 270 candidates who have replied so far, shows that there is a very high level of cross-party support for the ‘Made to Move’ cycling and walking plan. [2]

To become a world class cycling city, Greater Manchester needs to
provide consistent, long term investment in walking and cycling to deliver a safe and protected cycle network that connects communities across the region.

The Bike Life Greater Manchester report published in 2017 highlighted that  76% of people in Greater Manchester want to see more money spent on cycling and
77% of residents support building more protected roadside cycle lanes, even when this could mean less space for other road traffic. [3]

Catherine Thomson, Manchester Friends of the Earth sustainable transport campaigner said:  If Greater Manchester wants to become a world-class cycling city and meet its target of 10% of all journeys to be made by bicycle by 2025  – it is time to up our game and invest in delivering the safe cycling routes that people need.”

Making cycling easier and more pleasant is an ideal way to help people save on travel costs, lose weight, become healthier and more active. [4] More people cycling will also help tackle transport congestion, improve air quality and reduce C02 emissions.

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. [5]

ENDS

Photo opportunity:  Cast your ballot for cycling, 8.40am, Stevenson Square, Manchester. Contact: Pete Abel, 07951 642858

CONTACTS FOR COMMENTS

Pete Abel, Manchester Friends of the Earth, Mobile: 07951 642858

Dr Graeme Sherriff, Manchester Friends of the Earth,  Mobile: 07948 405071.

Notes to Editors:

[1]   Local elections 2018…. will the environment win?  #LE2018 http://www.manchesterfoe.org.uk/local-election-2018/

[2] See Q3  http://www.manchesterfoe.org.uk/election-survey-2018-parties/

[3] Bike Life Report 2017.  https://www.sustrans.org.uk/bikelifegreatermanchester

[4] A recent study found that regular cycling cut the risk of death from any cause by 41%, the incidence of cancer by 45% and heart disease by 46%. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-39641122

[5] The Bike Friday 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 Stevenson Square, M1 in the Northern Quarter. The Worsley, Middleton – Victoria Avenue East, Stockport Heatons routes start earlier. See the website for details. The Bike Friday cycle rides take place on the morning of the last Friday of every month (except December). The rides 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

[6] Bike Friday is coordinated by Love Your Bike (Manchester Friends of the Earth) and Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign (GMCC)

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

[7]  Manchester Friends of the Earth is an award-winning environmental campaign group, raising awareness and lobbying for policy changes at a local, regional, national and international level. The group consists entirely of volunteers, and its campaigns are funded by membership fees and individual donations. Up-to-date information is available on the group’s website: www.manchesterfoe.org.uk. Manchester Friends of the Earth is a Licensed Local Group of Friends of the Earth, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. www.foe.co.uk