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PRESS RELEASE
Globe Bicycles and Sustrans
Urge People to Collect Fresh Air Miles This Summer
April 27th, 2010 - Chessington, UK - Bicycle brand Globe and Sustrans the sustainable transport charity have teamed up to lead a summer of bike rides across the UK designed to get people outdoors on two-wheels.
Around fifty 'Fresh Air Miles' events, organised by Sustrans volunteers and Globe bikes are expected to take place across the country between now and the end of September.
This will be the second year of Fresh Air Miles rides, which raise awareness and support for Sustrans' work to make it easier for people to walk and cycle more for everyday journeys.
The rides will take place on parts of the National Cycle Network, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary in September. At more than 12,000 miles long the Network has the potential to benefit millions, indeed around 75 per cent of people live within two miles of it.
Anne Immelman, Specialized and Globe Marketing, said: 'Supporting Sustrans' Fresh Air Miles rides is the perfect opportunity for Globe to make a meaningful difference to the cycling community by focusing on issues that matter within a larger cycling context such as the awareness of the National Cycle Network.
'Just like Sustrans, our aim is to get as many people as possible to ride their bike and enjoy the huge cycle network available in the UK and without which cycling just wouldn't be the same. We hope the Fresh Air Miles rides will inspire thousands of people to take their bike out again this summer and to choose a healthier lifestyle.'
Melissa Henry, Sustrans' Communications Director, said: 'Globe's support means that Fresh Air Miles rides will reach even more people this year and raise more awareness of Sustrans' vital work. By 2020 Sustrans wants to see four out of five UK journeys less than five miles being made on foot, by bike and by public transport. This is double the current levels but it is achievable and will have big environmental, health and economic benefits.'
All are welcome to take part in Fresh Air Miles rides regardless of age, cycling ability or experience and are encouraged to make donations or gather sponsorship for Sustrans as part of the ride. To find out more about a ride near you, visit www.freshairmiles.org.uk
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For further information on Globe or Specialized bikes please contact
Anne Immelman on 020 8391 3511 anne.immelman@specialized.com
For further information on Sustrans please contact the Press Office
Telephone: 0117 927 7555; Fax: 0117 930 4149; E-mail: press@sustrans.org.uk
Press and PR Manager - Gill Harrison 0117 915 0108
Senior Press Officer - Wendy Johnson 0117 915 0128
Connect2 Press Officer - Emma Page 0117 915 0123
School Travel Press Officer - Carly Rudrum 0117 915 0127
Out of office hours - 07802 986728
Photo Librarians - Jonathan Bewley & Chandra Prasad 0117 915 0120 photos@sustrans.org.uk
ISDN line available for radio interviews
NOTES
- Globe is a brand of bicycles that have the unique ability to become an extension of people's lifestyles and personal tastes, rather than simply a piece of sporting equipment. The bikes are inspired by and designed for urban cyclists, commuters, city dwellers, the progressively minded and eco-conscious. www.globebikes.com. www.facebook.com/globebikesuk.
- Sustrans is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity. Its vision is a world in which people choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment. It is achieving this through innovative but practical solutions to the UK's transport challenges.
- This year Sustrans is marking the fifteenth anniversary of the National Cycle Network. On 11 September 1995, an award from the Millennium Commission enabled Sustrans to embark on the first 2,500 miles of a 6,500 mile National Cycle Network. The Network now extends to just over 12,000 miles and carries one million walking and cycling journeys every day.
- There are around 3,000 volunteers helping with Sustrans' work. Around 2,800 of these are rangers, who help to maintain the National Cycle Network. Rangers work in 210 groups, which are each co-ordinated by a volunteer liaison ranger. Our aim is to have most rangers working together in this way so that they can benefit from each other's experience and skills.
- Fourteen local authorities contribute funding to the Ranger Programme (Devon, Cornwall, Kent, North Tyneside, Stoke-on Trent, Northumberland, Gateshead, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Essex, Thurrock, Kirklees, Rochdale, and Dundee,) and have formed partnerships with their local Ranger Groups to promote and support local volunteer activity.
- The Ranger Programme is also supported by the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and the National Lottery.
- Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020. For more information and to download a copy of the call to action visit
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/about-sustrans/call-to-action-for-2020
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