Tower Hamlets Wheelers
NEWS RELEASE 26 September 2002
For immediate release
Ref THW8tubestrikes260902
'Bicycle Bus' escort provided to the City on Tube strike days
The Tower Hamlets Wheelers (1) provided a 'bicycle bus' service on Wednesday
25th September, the first Tube strike day, to escort potential cycling
commuters who are currently Tube users from the East End into the City.
Radio station BBC Essex conducted a live phone interview with the Wheelers
at one of the stops, broadcasting to 300,000 people.
The 'bus' service will be repeated on Wednesday 2nd October, the next Tube
strike day. The 'bus' will leave Bow Road tube station at 7:45am and stop
at District Line stations until Whitechapel, with Liverpool Street as the
final 'stop'. Individual Wheelers then escort new cyclists to their place
of work in the City.
"Commuters who are dreading traffic gridlock and massive queues for crowded
buses now have an alternative," says Wheelers co-ordinator Owen Pearson.
"Get your bike out the cupboard, check it's working safely and let us escort
you to work. We aim to give you the confidence to cycle safely on the
road." (2)
The 'bus' will use quiet back streets and London Cycle Network routes. "We
hope that people who normally take the Tube will enjoy the ride so much that
they will consider commuting by bike regularly," says Owen.
People wishing to try out this service should look at
www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk for the full route and 'timetable'.
ENDS
More info: Alix Stredwick mobile 07712 471411 home 020 8880 6873
Photo opportunity: Mile End tube station, 7:50am, and Stepney Green
station, 8:00am, Wednesday 2nd October
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) The Wheelers urge participants to ensure their bikes are in safe working
order, to be willing and able to cycle in traffic, and to cycle sensibly
with care and consideration for other road users and pedestrians.
Tower Hamlets Wheelers
wheelers@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
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