On your Bike for World Environment Day!
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On Friday 28th May, Bike Friday participants will be cycling into Manchester City Centre to help promote World Environment Day events in Greater Manchester. [1]
Organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Environment Day takes place in countries and cities around the world on Saturday 5th June 2010 and is aiming to be the biggest, most widely celebrated, global day for positive, environmental action.
One of the key aims of World Environment Day is to give a human face to environmental issues and enable people to realize both their responsibility but also their power to help support sustainable and equitable development. [2]
Catherine Thomson from Manchester Friends of the Earth said:
“Cycling is a quick, low cost and healthy way to get around and is great for the environment too. No air pollution, great fuel efficiency and no C02 emissions – what better way to travel and to help celebrate World Environment Day across Greater Manchester! ”
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. [3]
The Bike Friday rides finish in Exchange Square, Corporation Street where there will be a free Dr Bike session available for participants. Free ankle-snap bands (reflective bands) will also be available for all new Bike Friday riders.
ENDS
CONTACTS FOR COMMENTS
Pete Abel, Manchester FoE Mobile: 07951 642858
Catherine Thomson, Manchester FoE, Mobile: 07956 577207
Notes to Editors:
[1] World Environment Day events in Greater Manchester include
Swap Shop, Sat 5th June, 12-3pm Chorlton Park Visitors Centre, www.bignoticeboard.co.uk/chorlton/world-environment-day-swap-shop
Stockport Loves Bikes. Saturday 5th June, St. Peter’s Square, St. Petersgate, 10am – 4pm
www.visit-stockport.com/stockport_festivals_culturefeast_soon.asp
[2] Commemorated on 5 June since 1972, WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and encourages political attention and action. See www.unep.org/wed/2010/english/ for more details
[3] 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 the Triangle, Corporation Street, City Centre. 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. Bike Friday is part of the Love Your Bike Campaign. www.loveyourbike.org
For details of the routes see: www.bikefriday.org or join the Bike Friday Facebook group www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=99198337652
[4] New Bike Friday route starting 28th May. Worsley, Monton, Salford to Manchester City Centre. Start time 7.40am.
