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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Want safer streets to be our ‘New Normal’?” That is the question being posed by grassroots cycle campaign group GoBike as part of a new campaign to recruit members, amid concerns that the easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions may lead to gridlock.
With the use of public transport currently being discouraged the campaigners have expressed fears that this will result in more congestion and pollution, and therefore poorer air quality. GoBike are demanding that measures are put in place to make it easier for people to choose to walk or cycle in the weeks and months ahead.
As Thomas Cornwallis, Co-convenor of GoBike explains: “There has been a major shift since the lockdown began, with people taking advantage of the quieter roads - key workers commuting by bike, children cycling independently and people of all ages cycling as part of their daily exercise. In addition, having fewer motor vehicles on the road has had a positive impact on air quality, particularly in the city centre.
However, as restrictions are being lifted we are seeing the numbers of cars back on our streets steadily increase. There is a risk that the positive changes we’ve observed up to now may not only be reversed, but that congestion may end up even worse than pre-lockdown levels.
He continues: “Experience from around the world clearly demonstrates that the most efficient and healthiest means of getting about our towns and cities, whilst maintaining social distancing, is for more of us to walk and cycle. Unfortunately at the moment, many Glaswegians will regard this as too risky an option for themselves and their families. We need a joined-up, comprehensive network of protected cycle infrastructure to enable anyone who wants to cycle the ability to do so in safety and comfort, particularly those of us who wouldn’t normally feel confident riding in fast-moving traffic
The greater our numbers, the more pressure on local authorities to provide suitable infrastructure to maintain and improve current cycling rates to the benefit of everyone. As such, GoBike - the Strathclyde Cycle Campaign - is asking people to add their voice to make Safer Streets become our #NewNormal, with a fresh and exciting advertising campaign around Greater Glasgow.”
ENDS
About GoBike
Advocating for safer cycling conditions for people of all ages and abilities around the Strathclyde area, GoBike is a grassroots campaigning organisation funded exclusively by membership subscriptions and donations, and run entirely by volunteers.
The organisation was formed in the 1980s previously known as the Glasgow Cycling Campaign and during that time produced “A Bike Plan for a Better Glasgow”, which is still relevant today. After a period of dormancy, a revival from 2010 onwards has seen our membership increase, alongside a variety of campaigning activities, including successes with 20mph limits in the city centre and “Space 4 People Byres Road” (resulting in a reversal of policy on the redevelopment of the west end thoroughfare).
Contact:
Thomas Cornwallis (Co-Convenor) Tel: 07494 469 555
Or John Donnelly (Co-Convenor)
Both can be contacted on the following email address convenor@gobike.org
Website: http://www.gobike.org/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gobikeglasgow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoBikeGlasgow/
Thomas O Cornwallis
Co-convenor
GoBike
The Strathclyde Cycle Campaign
Follow us on twitter @glasgowgobike
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