Extinction Rebellion hold Brighton bike ride to promote active travel

People from across Brighton are coming together today (September 22) for a socially-distanced cycle ride to support new active travel infrastructure in the city.
Brighton XR bike ride SUS-200922-131332001Brighton XR bike ride SUS-200922-131332001
Brighton XR bike ride SUS-200922-131332001

Mums, dads, kids and grandparents are invited to take part in the colourful family-friendly “bike swarm”, which will meet at The Level at 5.30pm for a 6pm departure.

There will be bike-mounted sound-systems and a colourful procession of flag-bearing cycles.

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The event has been organised by cycle campaign group Bricycles and Extinction Rebellion Brighton to coincide with World Car Free Day.

To comply with current COVID-19 legislation, riders will cycle in a socially-distanced way.

Participants are also asked to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer.

After the “bike swarm” there will be a People’s Assembly on the seafront, to which all councillors are invited, to discuss how to make Brighton and Hove a safer place to cycle.

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Mimi Pellew, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion Brighton, said: “Government data shows that pedestrians and people cycling are twice as likely to be killed or seriously injured in a road traffic accident in Brighton than car drivers.

“Something has gone badly wrong in our city if the healthy, environmentally-friendly travel option is also the more dangerous one.

“There’s also no route to reducing pollution, which kills dozens prematurely every year in Brighton, and tackling climate change that doesn’t involve encouraging people out of their cars.

“On top of that, it’s worth noting that, as well as causing premature deaths under normal circumstances, pollution leads to worse outcomes for Covid-19 patients.”

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“The case for improved, safe cycling and walking infrastructure is overwhelming.

“We’re happy the council have begun to make progress with the new temporary cycle lanes. We now need to build on this and work towards a city-wide network.

“This cycle ride demonstrates the strength and breadth of support for active travel measures in Brighton.”