Tower Hamlets Wheelers
NEWS RELEASE 12 February 2004
Strict Embargo: 07:00hrs, Tuesday, February 17, 2004
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Giant banner stunt marks first anniversary of the Congestion Charge
GET ON YOUR BIKE AND SAVE TWO GRAND
- Giant banner stunt marks first anniversary of the C Charge -
A GIANT banner will be unveiled today (Tuesday, 7am until 9am) from the Aldgate Gyratory to mark the first anniversary of London's Congestion Charge.
The 18 metre banner, the work of local cycling campaign group the Tower Hamlets Wheelers, will tell passing motorists that they could save over two thousand pounds if they switch to cycling to work.
Aldgate Gyratory marks the start of the congestion charging zone. The group
hope to encourage motorists to join the swelling ranks of 650,000 Londoners who already cycle regularly and are exempt for the charge.
Owen Pearson, has been cycling in London for 18 years and is co-ordinator of the Tower Hamlets Wheelers.
He explains: "We want to use the anniversary of the congestion charge to point out to car users just how much they are spending on getting to work.
"Over the last year, an average car driver would spend £2,000 on commuting including around £1,500 on the congestion charge alone.
"This, combined with fuel, tax and insurance adds up to a hefty two grand.
"We hope that passing drivers will see how much they could have saved in just one year and consider switching to cycling."
In the first year of congestion charging, cycling in central London has already increased by around 30 per cent, according to Transport for London, and cyclists report a reduction in the volume of car traffic on the roads.
Owen adds: "Money is only one reason to get on your bike - cyclists also
enjoy better health and clearer consciences because they are not contributing to the City's pollution problem."
Tower Hamlets Wheelers offer a number of incentives to locals who want to
take up cycling, including a free cycle training scheme to help new cyclists gain road skills and confidence, and regular bike maintenance classes.
Ends
For media enquiries please contact Kerry Noble, the Tower Hamlets Wheelers press officer, on 07815 902 560 or press@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
Notes to editors
As well as an excellent photo opportunity, members of the Tower Hamlets Wheelers will be available for interview on the bridge between 7am and 9am.
The Tower Hamlets Wheelers is the local cycle action group in the east London Borough of Tower Hamlets (the East End), 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.
For more information see:
www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
www.lcc.org.uk
www.cclondon.com
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