HF Friends of the Earth call on residents to participate
With ever-increasing traffic levels causing almost a quarter of the UK's
greenhouse gas emissions, Hammersmith and Fulham Friends of the Earth is
urgently calling on local residents to leave their cars at home on
Thursday 22 September, this year's car-free day!
Paula White, Hammersmith and Fulham Friends of the Earth co-ordinator
said, "It is encouraging that a significant number of people in West
London do use public transport, walk or cycle but there are still many
who don't and subsequently there is still significant levels of
congestion and pollution around our roads."
She added, "We are using 'Car-Free Day' to ask local residents to walk
or cycle a bit more and drive less! We really believe it
will make the world of difference and the sooner we make these vital
changes the better."
People needn't feel alone in there efforts as there is plenty of
support on offer. For example, we know that cycling is one way for
people to help cut emission and pollution levels; and to encourage more
people onto the saddle, Hammersmith and Fulham Council is offering free
cycle training to local residents.
Local resident Louise Neilan signed up for a free training session and
hasn't looked back, she said, "I decided to take advantage of the
council's free cycle training offer because I hadn't cycled since I
was a child, and was worried I'd forgotten how to! I was rusty at
first but the instructor put me at my ease, and took showed me the
right ways to do things, before letting me loose on the bike. Thanks
to this initiative I quickly got back into the swing of things which
is great because I am doing my bit for the environment and enjoying a
new way of travelling around London."
Just take a look around Hammersmith and Fulham on Sunday afternoon and
you will see families like the Fishers cycling to Bishops Park or people like
Maiken Harris out cycling because it's great exercise, healthy and fun.
So use 'Car-Free Day' as your reason to kick the car habit and not
only will you help create a better environment you will also get fit,
healthy and more knowledgeable of the area you live in - good luck!
September 26, 2005
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