Tower Hamlets Wheelers
NEWS RELEASE 31 August 2006
For immediate release
Ref THW02CDFauction060831
CYCLE TRAILER AUCTION SUPPORTS CYCLISTS DEFENCE FUND
- Tower Hamlets cyclists raise £325 towards court appeal -
East London bicycle campaign group Tower Hamlets Wheelers has raised £325 to donate to the Cyclists Defence Fund following the recent publicity of the Daniel Cadden court case.
Mr Cadden was prosecuted for inconsiderate cycling after being stopped by police when riding on the highway when there was an adjacent cycle track. This judgement has sent alarm bells ringing amongst the cycling community regarding the rights of cyclists to use the road.
To help raise the profile of the issue, Tower Hamlets Wheelers member Gary Cummins decided to auction his bicycle trailer and donate the sum raised to the Cyclists Defence Fund.
Gary explained "Wheelers were in need of a trailer for our local cycle promotion work, for ferrying parts to our free bicycle workshop, and even for collection large items of shopping for members of the group. The auction has enabled Wheelers to improve its services and has assisted the Cyclists Defence Fund with an important court appeal."
Owen Pearson, co-ordinator of Tower Hamlets Wheelers said "This prosecution has questioned the rights of cyclists as road users. The existence of a cycle facility doesn't mean using it is the safest and easiest option for a cyclist to take. With countless examples of sub-standard cycle facilities nationwide we reject any steps taken that limit the choice of where to ride."
He continued "Wheelers are extremely grateful for Gary's generosity as well as all those in the Tower Hamlets cycling community who made a donation and support this cause."
Ends
For media enquiries contact Owen Pearson, Tower Hamlets Wheelers' Co-ordinator on 07903 018970.
Notes to editors
Tower Hamlets Wheelers are a local cycling campaign group in the East End of London. The group aims to encourage more people to cycle, improve conditions for cyclists and to raise the profile of cycling in the East End. For more information visit www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk.
The Cyclists' Defence Fund is an independent registered charity, originally founded by CTC (www.ctc.org.uk) in 2001. Its formation was prompted by the claim of insurer Provident against the parents of nine-year-old cyclist Darren Coombs who was brain damaged when hit by a car. Its aims and activities have since been widened (see www.cyclistsdefencefund.org.uk for full details), but its focus is still on issues of cycling and the law, including support for court actions with the potential to affect the general position of cyclists or cycling in law.
Details of the Daniel Cadden prosecution case at www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4516
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