Bicycology/Media
If people have them somewhere it would be good to put up the finalised versions of the previous press releases here. till then the draft ones are below
Press Release 2008
13/08/08 Photo Opportunity For Immediate Release
Bikes Beat Cars
Is it quicker to travel from Morecambe to Lancaster in the morning rush hour by bike or car? On Wednesday 20th August, a cyclist and a council car commuter will set out from Wingate Avenue, Morecambe, to see who arrives first into St. Leonardsgate car park in Lancaster. The event will kick start ‘Routes to Solutions - A week of workshops and events celebrating cycling and sustainability,’ run by radical cycling group Bicycology.
Whatever the finishing times, bikes beat cars in many ways.
1) Traveling by bike releases no emissions, so it doesn't contribute to global warming
2) Rising oil prices doesn't affect bikes - and cycles are cheap to run. There are many hidden costs to running motor vehicles, insurance, parking, congestion charges, tax and learning to drive in the first place - cyclists avoid these costs.
3) Half of all journeys by car are less than 2 miles, a distance easily traveled by bike or walking, often faster.
4) Bikes require less space, so less urban areas need to be dedicated to roads, car parks and garages, leaving more space for community and natural areas.
5) Out of town shopping centres and working far away from home ruins communities - returning to human powered transport brings people back together.
6) Obesity and health problems are caused by our modern lifestyles; cycling everyday is a low impact exercise which can be undertaken at any fitness level.
7) Cycling is fun and offers independence from timetables and price rises on public transport.
8) People on bikes can easily interact with each other as they aren't sitting in metal boxes, helping build community
Eleanor Baylis, Bicycology cyclist said "'Bicycology promotes cycling as an easy and effective way of reducing pollution - locally and globally. At a time when rising oil prices and climate change are dominating the political landscape, it makes simple economic and environmental sense for people to get out of their cars and on to their bikes. The trip between Lancaster and Morecambe is notorious - and the proposed solution of the Northern Bypass isn't going to make things any better - but cycling this route is often quicker than going by car, and offers a viable solution for many local residents. The cycle path is entirely off road, making it safe for new cyclists and children. Unlike the roads it is green and there is still plenty of space for a relaxed ride to get you in the right frame of mind to start off your day."
In order to help local people get on their bikes Bicycology will be running 'Routes to Solutions: Cycling to Sustainability' is a week long free festival organised to promote cycling and environmentally friendly living. Between the 23rd and 30th of August Bicycology will be running a series of events and activities in venues around Lancaster and Morecambe. Kicking off with community events on Morecambe prom on Sunday 24th August and in Williamson park, Lancaster, on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August from 12 noon. There will be film nights, formal and casual maintenance sessions, bike games, ethical workshops and debates so come along and discover how we can make the world a better place! For a full programme see www.bicycology.org.uk
Editor's Notes;
The event will start from 97 Wingate Avenue, Westgate, Morecambe LA4 4SN. We will commence at 7.55am and finish between 8.15 and 8.30am.
The driver will be Paula Taylor, who commutes by car to work each day. She works in the council housing department and is willing to discuss this event, but not council policy.
For more details contact Eleanor at carryonclimbing@gmail.com or 07930539496
Suggested photo opportunities on Wingate Avenue towards Winthorpe Avenue where the cyclist and car will be together. Or on the Millennium Bridge Lancaster with traffic jams behind. The cyclist will be wearing a distinctive bright green high-vis so she is easily identifiable.
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Press Release 2007
Pedalling to a town near you! The Bicycology Bikeride hits the road… www.bicycology .org.uk (Charlottamiles: phone no.)
From July the 14th until the 29th, the Bicycology group will be touring the country with a range of activities and events for cyclists and non-cyclists, young and old. Riding their bikes between two towns the Government has deemed ‘Cycle Demonstration Towns’ (from Aylesbury to Exeter), the group will be stopping at villages, towns and cities along the way, trying to start conversations about the seriousness of global warming, the importance of changing society to prevent climate chaos, and the joyous route to sustainability that is the humble bicycle.
The group will be spending Saturday and Sunday (14th & 15th) in Aylesbury, before traveling to Oxford (16th and 17th), Swindon (18th), Bristol (20th, 21st & 22nd), and Yeovil (24th), before concluding the tour in Exeter (27th & 28th). The tour will be 100% human-powered, with the 15-20 Bicycologists pulling all equipment by bikes and bike-trailers, with no support vehicle, to demonstrate the viability of the Bicycle as a method of transport.
At each stop the group will be offering a number of activities, alongside their display of unusual bikes, including a tall-bike and variety of trailers. Dr Bike will be giving free 'bicycle health-checks’ and basic repairs for anyone who brings their bike along. There will be bike-polo and other bike games, bike-beautification workshops and an interactive display of pedal, wind and solar powered generators and appliances. The group will also be showing films and playing music on their tandem-towed 12v sound-system called Pedals (and opening up the mic). All events are free, and at several stops Bicycology will be joined by local cycling and environmental groups.
Bicycologist Peter Pannier notes that, "Over 20% of the UK’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions come from transportation and almost half of that comes from private car use. Transport is the fastest growing source of Climate Changing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the UK". [possibly put in or swap a quote for the figures about swapping 5miles a day driving for cycling, maybe more emphasis on how bad flying is and how nice holidaying in the UK is…?] Dan Tem added that "the majority of car journeys are less than 2 miles, a distance that can easily be cycled", and talked at length about the health benefits of cycling.
Another Bicycologist, calling himself D. Lock, stressed that "Government action on Climate Change is far from enough. In fact, with its airport expansion and road-building programmes, the Government is making things worse. It is crucial for individuals to change their lifestyles and to come together to take action to pressurise Government and business. This doesn't have to be boring, or a sacrifice - it can be fun: cycling is a great example".
More information about the tour, cycling and Climate Change, will be available at the events and on the website www.bicycology.org.uk.
Notes for editors:
1. Bicycology is a not-for-profit, voluntary organization concerned with promoting cycling and raising awareness of climate change, and ways of reducing it's damaging effects. 2. Cycle Demonstrations Towns. There are six Cycle Demonstration Towns, which have each been granted Government funding to promote cycling, with the aim of showcasing what can be done to increase the numbers of people cycling. The towns are Aylesbury, Brighton, Exeter, Darlington, Derby, and Lancaster. 3. Last year Bicycology rode to the Camp for Climate Action. They will be promoting the second Camp en route. See www.bicycology.org.uk/ [link] to read about the 2006 Bicycology Roadshow, and www.[climate camp] to read more about the growing social movement aiming to tackle climate chaos and peak oil.
Media contacts
Please add email adresses/phone numbers of people we need to Press Release here...
Press Release: 2006 drafts
[I've edited chris' version to be more general and include more quotes, leaving the original below. hope this is helpful - james]
Roll Up, Roll up! The Bicycology Roadshow is coming to town!
On August 13th the Bicycology travelling bicycle roadshow is leaving London with a range of activities and events for cyclists and non-cyclists, young and old. Riding their bikes to Lancaster, and the Camp for Climate Action near Selby, the group are stopping at eight different towns and cities to bring their message about the seriousness of Global Warming, and the importance of action to change society to prevent Climate Chaos. They begin at FinFest in Finsbury Park, where they will be present from 11am to 5pm, and tour will conclude in Market Square in Lancaster on the 26th, after visiting Aylesbury (14th), Coventry (16th), Leicester (17th & 18th), Nottingham (19th), Sheffield (21st) and Leeds (23rd). The tour will be 100% human-powered, the Bicycologists will be pulling all their equipment with no support vehicle, to demonstrate the viability of the Bicycle as a method of transport.
At each stop the group will be offering a number of activities. Dr Bike will be giving free 'bicycle health-checks’ and repairs for anyone who brings their bike along. Throughout the day there will be Bike-Polo games, Bike-Trick competitions, Bike-Beautification workshops and an interactive display of pedal, wind and solar powered generators and appliances. People can see a range of unusual bikes, including a tall-bike, reverse-steer bike, and two tandems, one a semi-recumbent. The group will also be showing films and playing music on their tandem-towed 12v sound-system called Pedals (and opening up the mic). All events are free, and at several stops Bicycology will be joined by local cycling and environmental groups.
Bicycology is a not-for-profit, voluntary organization concerned with promoting cycling and raising awareness of Climate Change, and ways of reducing it's damaging effects. Bicycologist Peter Pannier notes that, "Over 20% of the UK’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions come from transportation and almost half of that comes from private car use. Transport is the fastest growing source of Climate Changing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the UK".
Dan Tem added that "the majority of car journeys are less than 2 miles, a distance that can easily be cycled", and talked at length about the health benefits of cycling.
Another Bicycologist, calling himself Sir Bought-a-Raleigh, stressed that "Government action on Climate Change is far from enough. In fact, with it's airport expansion and roadbuilding programmes, the Government is making things worse. It is crucial for individuals to change their lifestyles and to come together to take action to pressurise Government and business. But this dosn't have to be boring, or a sacrifice - it can be fun: cycling is a great example".
More information about the tour, cyling and Climate Change, will be available at the events and is on the website www.bicycology.org.uk.
[I'm planning to send this out tuesday or wednesday to Coventry (with details filled in) so comments and changes asap please...]
On August ** a travelling bicycle roadshow is coming to **** with a range of activities and events for cyclists and non-cyclists, young and old. Riding their bikes from London to Lancaster, the group – known as Bicycology – are stopping at eight different towns and cities along the way. On *[day and date]* they will be in *[venue]* from *[time]* to *[time]* where they are putting on a roadshow where people can see a range of unusual bikes, including a tall-bike, a reverse-steer bike, two tandems and a high power tandem-towed 12v sound-system called Pedals. Dr Bike will also be there offering free 'bicycle health-checks’ and repairs for anyone who brings their bike along with them. Throughout the day there will be demonstrations of bicycle-polo, trick-bike riding competitions, bike-beautification workshops and an interactive display of alternative electricity technologies, including a pedal powered game-boy and solar and wind powered generators. To finish the day off there will be a film show in the evening at **** showing bike and climate-change related films and documentaries (admission free).
Bicycology is an not-for-profit, volutary organization concerned with promoting cycling and raising awareness of climate change and how cycling can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. As Bicycologist James says, "Over 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions – the main contributors to climate change – come from transportation and almost half of that comes from private car use. Despite this, the majority of car journeys are less than 2 miles, a distance that can easily be cycled." So if you want to find out more about how you can make a difference to climate change, or if you just want a free bike-MOT, then come down to **** at **** on **.
James says - I think this is absolutely fine, i've put in a few basic suggestions in square brackets but my only other suggestion is that Dr Bike becomes the first thing mentioned, and more emphasis is placed on the soundsytem and possibly, open-mic opportunities... we could possibly mention the health beneifts of cycling if someone can do this?? ... another possibility is to put in some fake "quotes", ie, Peter Pannier said, Si Bickle said, Dan Tem said... this could be done with the bits on 2 mile car journeys and 20% emissions. also would be nice to do a quote along the lines of "bikes are fun"... "Cycling is not only an important part of a response to the threat of climate chaos, but it's also a healthy way to get around, and fun". is that any good? also maybe something about car culture, roads etc.. (just so they have something to edit out!!) Imogen says: unsure about James' suggestion of inserting the word "collective" it sounds a little pretentious.otherwise all good and very informative.
Ian says - changed the bit about pedals, removed the 1200W figure for power because it is a bit of an exaggeration (bass driver can only handle 400W even though the bass amp is nominally rated at 1900W). Agree that it would be good to say something about what we use Pedals for but can't think how to word it - we use it for lots of things - to entertain, to advertise out presence, for people to dance to, to broadcast our message and to allow others to express themselves to a crowd through poetry, hip hop or just speaking their minds. That is probably too much to say but I thought I would mention everything I could think of.
matt says: definately follow james' suggestion about quotes - its classic press-release policy. maybe think about using real names, as sometimes journalists will ask to speak to so-and-so - of course, we can always nominate some one to be Peter Pannier, Sir Bought-a Raleigh, etc...
Chris - Ok - changes made. A version of this has now been sent to Coventry but I guess anyone can change as they see fit and send it where they think it will be of some use!
charlotte's
Roll up, roll up the Bicycology Roadshow is coming to town!
On the 13th August the Bicycology collective will set off from Finfest, London on our intrepid tour northwards through the cities, towns and rolling fields of England, spreading fun and bicycologic on our way. All this, on 100% human powered bikes! Red ones, blue ones, two-bike-tall ones, little backwards ones, semi-recumbent tandem ones, recycled ones, ones with wind turbines on the back and more…
On Thursday 17th August, I am proud to announce, we will arrive in my beautiful city of Leicester, at about 2pm and rest our pedals in Bede Park, (off Western Boulevard & nr De Montfort Uni), for just 4 hours – so what ever you do, DON"T MISS IT! There will be things for all of you, all ages and from the terrified-of-two-wheels or car-addicted, to the avid and daring cyclist, including: free bike health check-ups from our travelling Dr Bike surgery and our team of in-house specialists (and a guest appearance in Leicester from our very own B4All Dr Bikes); mini bike maintenance workshops; you can see if you have the muscle power to get our pedal powered sound system or game boy going; have your face painted in bicycle designs; enter our Beautiful Bicycle workshop and give yourself & your machine a make-over with some funky recycled accessories; test your worldly knowledge in our quiz; and test your coordination on our reverse-steer bike; learn about fossil fuel free futures with our working alternative technology display; and even join in your first game of bicycle polo! A few familiar faces you shall also see, the Bikes 4 All and Cyclemagic bike projects will be joining us on the park, adding their unique Leicester flair with their recucled bikes (some for sale), ice cream bike, some other crazy bike-like contraptions to suit any physical requirement, and maybe even a penny farthing to have a go on.. What more could you want of a Thursday afternoon???? Come rain or shine we will be there, so we hope to see you too!
If you can't make it on the Thursday, or if you catch a little of the bicycologist bug, you could even join us on the next leg of our journey on Friday 18th August, as we pedal on to Nottingham… and beyond!
(Lastly, for more info see www.bicycology.org.uk)