Press Release for Big Bike Ride

The Big Bike Ride

European Car Free Day
September 22nd 2003

The Big Bike Ride to celebrate European Car Free Day is now in its third great year and has become part of the annual calendar of the city.

Hundreds of cyclists are expected in central Bristol on Saturday 20 September. A cavalcade of cyclists will follow a safe route around the town to celebrate the bike as the best means of urban transport.

The ride starts from the Centre (next to Neptune's statue.) at 2.00 pm and will be led on a safe and organised route around the city by the local Police on their bikes! Executive Member for Environment Transport and Leisure, Councillor Anne White will also be taking part in the ride.

The route will be The Centre, Nelson Street, Broad Mead, Castle Park, Baldwin St, and back to the Centre again. The ride will arrive back at the Centre to stalls, music, and entertainment.

This event builds on the success of previous rides held on European Car Free Day over the last two years

Pete Taylor (Organiser) says

"It's great that people in Bristol can join with cities elsewhere in the UK and throughout Europe to celebrate European Car Free Day."

He goes on to say

"Decorate your bike, put on a funny hat, or just turn up - this will be a fun-filled day for all the family, young and old. We are delighted the Bobbies on their Bikes will be escorting us around the town giving us a safe route for everyone"

Rowland Dye (Bristol Cycling Campaign) says

"We're delighted that this celebration of European Car Free Day is turning into a regular yearly event.

He goes on to say

"Cycling is an easy, inexpensive, health-promoting and traffic congestion-busting way of getting about in our city but it's easy to forget that central Bristol can be an intimidating place for some cyclists. Thanks to the Police escort, cyclists of all ages and experience can enjoy riding around the centre of their city in safety. This will build their confidence for planning their own trips in the future."

Notes: Pete Taylor was recently awarded the Lord Mayor's Medal for environmental campaigning