Tower Hamlets Wheelers
NEWS RELEASE 9 September 2002
For immediate release
Ref THW5beforecarfreeday090902
'Bicycle Bus' to escort kids to Tower Bridge on Car Free Day
The Tower Hamlets Wheelers (1) have teamed up with Rick Sure's Rickshaws (2)
to put on four 'bicycle bus' routes to escort kids and adults alike to Tower
Bridge on this year's European Car Free Day, Sunday 22nd September (3).
Three routes (4), which pass by many schools and some tube and DLR stations,
will converge on the Green Bridge in Mile End Park at 12:30pm. They will
then all make their way through Stepney and Whitechapel to Tower Bridge.
"This is a really good opportunity for people who are not confident enough
to cycle by themselves to get on their bikes and join in the fun," says Owen
Pearson, Wheelers co-ordinator. "The stops are easy to find so please do
have a look at www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk for a full timetable and
maps." All of the routes are on quiet roads or cycle routes, some of which
are not on the road. "There is safety in numbers and we will not be
rushing," Owen adds (5).
The colourful Rick Sure's Rickshaws will be taking part in the 'bus' and
giving kids free rides at Tower Bridge. All of the events that the Wheelers
are putting on at Tower Bridge are free, and include: Dr Bike, where you can
find out what needs to be fixed on your bike; bicycle obstacle course -
don't put your feet on the floor; and security bike marking to deter
thieves.
ENDS
More info: Alix Stredwick mobile 07712 471411 home 020 8880 6873
Photo opportunity: The biggest Bicycle Bus will be departing from the Green
Bridge, Mile End Park at 12:30pm. Other opportunities are at the three
earlier route starts - see note 4 below.
Notes
(1) The Tower Hamlets Wheelers is the local cycle action group in the east
London Borough of Tower Hamlets, campaigning for better cycling facilities
and encouraging more people to cycle - for health, the environment and for
London. The Wheelers are affiliated to the London Cycling Campaign, the
largest urban cycling campaign in the world.
(2) This not-for-profit company in Tower Hamlets brought back authentic
rickshaws from Bangladesh.
(3) Car Free Day is a European initiative to close town centres to motorised
traffic for one day per year. In London several roads will be closed,
showing how pleasant the street environment can be without cars.
(4) starting at Island Gardens at the tip of the Isle of Dogs at 11am, the
Gascoyne Road entrance to Victoria Park at 11:30am, and Bow Road Tube at
11:50am
(5) The Wheelers urge participants to ensure their bikes are in safe working
order, to accompany young children with an adult, and to cycle sensibly with
care & consideration for other road users and pedestrians.
Tower Hamlets Wheelers
wheelers@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
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