13 September 2007
Launch of European Mobility Week
"Leave your cars at home," say SPT and Glasgow City Council
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Glasgow City Council are encouraging people to leave their cars at home during European Mobility Week.
This year's event runs from 16-22 September and involves cities all over Europe. Its aim is to improve transport options as well as improving the health and quality of life of individuals.
The theme for this year is 'Streets for People' which aims to spread the message that increasing road space for cars is not the answer to existing transport challenges.
Instead, SPT and Glasgow City Council are urging people across Strathclyde to use public transport, walk or cycle as these are more sustainable ways to travel - better for the environment and often beneficial for the individual.
SPT Chair, Councillor Alistair Watson said, "One of our main aims at SPT is to encourage more people to use public transport. This event is a great opportunity for us to promote that lifestyle change and for the public to try out alternative modes of transport.
"Once the week is up, I hope many people will decide to carry on using public transport. We do realise, however, that, in order to lure more people away from their cars, we need to provide a high quality, reliable and efficient public transport system and that is what we are striving to do."
Councillor Ruth Simpson, Executive Member for Land and Environmental Services added, "If we all gave up our cars for just one day a week we could see significant reductions in traffic congestion and air pollution, which would be better for our economy and environment. Glasgow has over 215km of cycle routes so why not give your car a rest for European Mobility Week and give cycling a try."
SPT and Glasgow City Council have joined forces to promote a variety of events throughout the week which culminate in 'Car Free Day' on Saturday 22 September. They include:
Saturday 15 September 2007: Tour of Britain Finish at Glasgow Green (Public Event) A tented village on Glasgow Green promoting cycling and providing free, fun cycle activities for the public will welcome spectators to watch the Tour of Britain finale from 11am.Free entertainment including supporting races, cycle 'drag racing', a cycle skills activity course and an 8-seat bicycle will build up to the culmination of the day - the exciting sprint finish of the Tour of Britain at 3.15pm and the presentation of the winner's trophy at 3.30pm. MClick here for more information, or www.tourofbritain.co.uk
Sunday 16 September 2007: Pedal for Scotland 2007 (Public Event) Pedal for Scotland is the country's biggest public bike ride; cycling 50miles from Glasgow to Edinburgh is the perfect way to spend a late summer's day, and get fit and healthy into the bargain.Over 4000 riders are expected to gather in George Square from 8am, all helping to raise money for Leukaemia Research and add to the £140,000 raised in 2006.The ride will cost £15 for adults and £8 for concessions (Child / 60+ / full-time student / unemployed). http://www.pedalforscotland.org
Monday 17 September 2007: Promotion of Mandatory School Keep Clear Markings Shawlands Primary School will say a big 'Thank You!' to parents for not parking on the School Keep Clear Markings to promote the message that the Council's Parking Attendants will issue fixed penalty notices to any vehicles parking on School Keep Clear Markings.This supports the development of effective school travel plans by discouraging parents from driving their children to school and encouraging the use of sustainable transport.
Tuesday 18 September 2007: Launch of 9 separate Safer Routes to School Schemes Since April 2006 Glasgow City Council, with the help of Scottish Executive funding, has implemented nine permanent Safer Routes to School (SRtS) Schemes valued at £900,000 to help children walk and cycle safely and conveniently to school.Schools receiving SRtS treatment during this time include Annette Street Primary; Bellahouston Academy; Kings Park Primary; Lourdes Secondary; Mount Florida Primary; Scotstoun Primary; Shawlands Primary; Swinton Primary and Yoker Primary.The completion of these SRtS schemes will be celebrated at a launch at Mount Florida Primary School.
Wednesday 19 September 2007 Event 1: Launch of Sustrans National School Travel Plan DVD Glasgow City Council have worked with Sustrans, the UK's leading sustainable transport charity, to develop a fun, useful and innovative DVD to promote school travel plans nationally.The DVD includes examples from two Glasgow schools and will be officially launched at St Brendans Primary School by TV presenter and broadcaster Grant Stott and Councillor Ruth Simpson, Executive Member for Land & Environment. www.sustrans.org.uk
Wednesday 19 September 2007 Event 2: the Hands Up for Glasgow School Travel Tally For the fourth year running the 'Hands Up for Glasgow' School Travel Tally will take place.The goal is for 50,000 school children across Glasgow to provide details of how they travel to school on this day.
Thursday 20 September 2007: Launch of Go Bike/Spokes Glasgow Cycle Map Go Bike and Spokes have developed a street level cycle map of Glasgow, showing all the official cycle routes and recommended quiet roads in the city.The cycle map, developed by cyclists for cyclists, is the first of its kind for Glasgow and will go on sale at a 33% discounted price during European Mobility Week.More information can be found at www.spokes.org.uk and www.gobike.org
Friday 21 September 2007: Merchant City Festival Road Closure of Candleriggs (Public Event) Roads in the Candleriggs area will be closed all day and the traffic free street space opened up to the public to enjoy a French street market, live music, comedy and other entertainment as part of the annual Merchant City Festival.More information about the programme of events can be found at www.merchantcityfestival.com
Saturday 22 September 2007 Event 1: Merchant City Festival Road Closure of Candleriggs (Public Event) To mark In Town Without My Car Day roads in the Candleriggs area will remain closed all day and the traffic free street space opened up to the public to enjoy a French street market, live music, comedy and other entertainment as part of the annual Merchant City Festival.
Saturday 22 September 2007 Event 2: 'Try Cycling' Event in St Enoch Square (Public Event) Families, children, novice and expert cyclists alike will be able to try a range of fun and unusual bicycles from 10am – 4pm at the return of this free and ever popular event with 'The Company of Cyclists'. Cycling advice, information, maps and a free bike check by Craig MacMartin Cycles will be provided.This event is supported by SPT and run in partnership with Glasgow City Council.
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