In Town, Without My Car! full participant = events in accordance with the European Charter, i.e. car free street on Thursday 22nd September and permanent scheme implemented (16 total in this category)
In Town, Without My Car! supporter = other supporting events (45 total in this category)
European Mobility Week full participant = events in accordance with the European Charter i.e. events on each day of the week including In Town, Without My Car! on 22nd September (17 total in this category)
European Mobility Week supporter = other supporting events (40 total in this category)
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
European Mobility Week full participant
ITWMC: We closed St Johns Road in Wembley (just off the high street) to motors on Thursday 22nd September and laid down turf - the street became a garden for the day.
Local jazz bands performed while local businesses came down for lunch and learnt about travel planning.
We invited sustainable transport providers to exhibit on the street and encouraged people to try different modes.
For years there have been plans to permanently close this road to motor traffic, but worries that it could cause more local congestion. ITWMC was an opportunity to test it for one day. Traffic flowed freely in surrounding streets, providing useful evidence to take to committee to back the case for permanent closure of this rat-run.
While the town based weekday road closure was successful we received most praise for our living streets residential road closures on Sunday 25th September. We invited five local residents associations to close their local streets and hold old fashioned street parties, a great way to show residents how enjoyable their streets can be, using them as social space and making the street scene more attractive for residents and safer for children to play. We have not had street parties in Brent for a number of years so residents appreciated the effort. One of the parties has led to a proposal to create a permanent Home Zone.
We also ran a full programme of events throughout the week:
16 September: Fit Friday - free health checks for employees at Park Royal Partnership
18 September: Worth the Walk to Trafalgar Square
19 September: a celebration of the free travel for under 16s on buses in London. A bus was chartered to drop information in each school
20 September: Bike2Work breakfasts were held throughout the Borough, encouraging residents and employees to cycle to work
22 September: In Town Without My Car (see above)
25 September: Residential road closures (see above)
Permanent measure: streets for people at Allington Road - community murals with sustainable transport theme
Contact: kathryn.king@brent.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
European Mobility Week full participant
Permanent measure: On Car Free Day Camden launched the repaving and resurfacing of Monmouth Street in the historic Seven Dials area of Covent Garden. The design includes wider pavements for pedestrians, raised tables for speed reduction and to facilitate level pedestrian crossing. The materials are all high quality and have been chosen to be in keeping with the heritage of the area. All surrounding streets were closed to motors from 11 am to 5pm: Monmouth Street, Earlham Street, Mercer Street, Shorts Gardens and Neal Street. Features included:
Acoustic musicians and entertainers in key locations around Seven Dials;
Range of bicycles available for trial rides;
Range of information stalls about sustainable travel;
Welcome message from Councillor Thane and launch ceremony of the Monmouth Street Work
Contact: matthew.prince@camden.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Activities throughout the week included:
Friday 16th September: Fit Friday. Stall in town provided free health checks and exercise consultations
Monday 19th September: Public Transport. Southern railway stand in the town centre promoted 2 for 1 offers
Tuesday 20th September: Cycle training at Croydon Arena
Wednesday 21st September: Alternative Fuel: Toyota hybrid Prius promoted
Thursday 22nd September: Car free day: Display of children's artwork and poems with the theme "travel another way", with prizes for the winners
Contact: tim.wiseman@croydon.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Greenwich was abuzz with activity on Sunday 18 September from dawn to dusk as two roads in Greenwich town centre (King William Walk and College Approach) were closed to motors and converted into a 'pedestrian paradise' in an attempt to demonstrate the benefits of a healthier, car-free environment.
Board games on King William Walk, Greenwich - a change from the usual nose-to-tail cars grinding their polluted way around the one-way system
A key objective was to test the possibility of permanently pedestrianising part of the town centre in the future.
College Approach was transformed into a beach with sand and deck chairs, and a varied music programme included performances by scorching jazz and brass from Zen Husseys, Bhangra beats from the Dhol Academy and street performances by the Cone Dancers. Activities for all ages included a giant inflatable whale with storytelling from inside, a pirate's grotto, Greenwich's very own crazy golf game featuring local landmarks and the Tour de London, an interactive cycling race.
Greenwich Council stalls provided information on environmental services and the new pay-as-you-go car club was launched to ease traffic congestion and improve air quality. Deputy Council Leader Peter Brooks said: "We want to show that it is possible to have a great day out without using your car. It is important to find alternatives to car travel whenever we can, whether it be walking to school or cycling to work. The more we can do without our car, the better it is for our air quality, the environment and, as a result, our health."
Permanent scheme: Pay as you go car club launched
Contact: valentina.fox@greenwich.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
We participated in the Good Going travel awareness week, the London contribution to European Mobility Week, by organising a number of initiatives including:
Road closure on Saturday 17th September in Godolphin Road, Shepherds Bush, for the Godolphin Road Community Garden Festival, with a strong transport theme, eg rickshaw rides and Dr. Bike, as well as traditional children's games and activities in the street.
Photos: Jane Knight, Hammersmith Friends of the Earth
Other events included a Good Going boat trip from Hammersmith to the Mayor's Thames Festival on Sunday 18th, Dr. Bike sessions on Cycle to Work Day 20th Sept, and prizes for people walking or using public transport to get to work instead of a car.
Contact: alex.forrest@lbhf.gov.uk
European Mobility Week supporter
We promoted clever commuting through good going week
Contact: fuad.omar@harrow.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Islington Council staged a one-week walking competition called "Walk Islington" to encourage people to walk more as part of their daily routine and as an alternative to driving.
Islington residents signed up in groups of four to walk as many steps as possible during European Mobility Week, using a step-o-meter. The winning team won a weekend away to a walking destination in the countryside.
On Car Free Day an evening 5k walk was organised, and participants returned at dawn to join the award ceremony in the surroundings of a magical light show.
Contact: martijn.cooijmans@islington.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Thursday 15 September - Kingston Commuter Challenge, as modes competed on the journey to work: walk, bike, skate, scooter, bus, train and run
Friday 16 September - Launch of the Walking for Health "Fish Ponds" Walk, held in an area of natural beauty, led by qualified Walk Leaders and was aimed at less mobile members of the community, followed by morning tea.
Friday 16 September - Free blood pressure checks and information about the health benefits of walking and cycling
Sunday 18 September- Worth the Walk to Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park - a guided walk finishing with complimentary morning tea followed by optional guided walk through the Isabella Plantation.
Sunday 18 September - Bread Pudding Ride - for cyclists of all ages and abilities, an easy-paced, 25 mile social ride in the scenic Surrey countryside. With lunch and refreshment stops and a slice of bread pudding along the way! Led by the Kingston Cycling Campaign.
Tuesday 20 September - Women on Wheels seminar (hosted by Kingston Hospital) - Guest speaker Jenny Jones (Green GLA Assembly Member) opened this early evening seminar designed to provide support and encouragement for female beginner cyclists. Presented in an informal, interactive manner, topics included cyclist training, personal safety, route planning, personal comfort, how to select the right bicycle, social cycling networks, as well as give-aways, refreshments and prizes.
Thursday 22 September - Urban Moves good going Art Exhibition - the official Kingston Launch of this exhibition. Champagne corks popped to celebrate Kingston's being named good going Borough of the Year
Friday 23 September- Kingston University Fresher's Fayre - the good going stand was on site to promote sustainable travel to university and collect good going pledges signed by new students
Saturday 24 September - Get going Surbiton! good going stand at the Surbiton Festival with information on travelling sustainably, free games and activities for children, giveaways, competitions and guest appearances from walking to school Mascot Debra the Zebra!
Sunday 25 September - Debra the Zebra's "Treasure Hunts" for parents and children aged 4-8 with prizes for all participants
Contact: chandra.littlewood@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Wednesday 14th September - Walk on Wednesday: Breakfast and freebies for staff walking to work at Lewisham Council
Thursday 22nd September - Car free day: Breakfast and freebies for staff walking or cycling to work at Lewisham Council
Contact: jacqueline.short@lewisham.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
European Mobility Week full participant
14th Sept, launch of Good Going week, and Walk to Work day - all council staff were encouraged to walk to work, and were given step-o-meters to monitor steps. 350 people pledged their support to the Good Going campaign.
15th Sept, commuter challenge event from four key locations around the borough using different modes of transport (walking, running, cycling, skating, bus users and car drivers), all converging on the civic centre. As always the cyclists won the event with a clean sheet, fastest over all four routes.
18th Sept, Worth the Walk to Trafalgar Square (London wide event).
19th Sept, Public Transport day.
20th Sept, Bike day, with promotional materials and bike ride followed by lunch.
22nd Sept, Car Free Day - Civic Centre car park used for bike try out, electric cars, scooters and bikes, horse drawn carriage, health checks, street entertainers, health food cafe, sustain travel stand, local health club stand, road safety education with Debra the Zebra.
Several events/activities were organised; in particular, the walk to work day, commuter challenge and bike ride were very successful. The Walk to Work Day - staff were given pedometers and were encouraged to monitor their steps - they walked over 500,000 steps and the feedback was overwhelming - 'I enjoyed the walk so will carry on while the good weather lasts' - said one participant, while another one said - 'I have decided since doing the walk yesterday that I will walk to work in future when the weather is OK, instead of getting a lift'.
There was an organised lunchtime bike ride which staff joined in and after they gathered in a park for a free-lunch - 'It was very enjoyable and nice to meet up with other people from the council' said a cyclist participant.
This photo by Danny Gwilyn won the Good Going photo competition - a £100 Jessops voucher
Permanent measure: City Car Club bay. The City Car Club car is an alternative to staff bringing in their own cars to carry out work business. 15 people joined the City Car Club during European Mobility Week.
Contact: colleen.gardner@merton.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Thursday 15 Sept: clever commuter challenge from Peckham Pulse to Potters Field.
Sunday 18 Sept: Worth the Walk to Trafalgar Square
Tuesday 20 Sept: vouchers in local press for discount to be used at local participating bike shops and bike breakfasts
Permanent scheme - construction of build-outs for cycle parking near Tower Bridge, launched on Car Free Day
Contact: diana.bunyan@southwark.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Sunday 18th September: Waltham Forest Council held its third annual Car Free Day Festival in Leytonstone Town Centre. Temporary road closures and traffic diversions were in operation between 6am and 10pm: High Road Leytonstone, Church Lane and Kirkdale Road were all closed to motor traffic, making this one of the largest Car Free Day events in London.
Several thousand visitors enjoyed a vibrant car free street environment with live music and stunt performers, a continental farmers market, cycling displays, a children's fun fair, bouncy castles, skateboard park, and numerous environmental related stalls.
The festival promoted health and the environmental benefits of choosing to walk, cycle or use public transport for local trips.
Contact: edwin.leigh@walthamforest.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
European Mobility Week full participant
The traditional 'Streets Alive' festival was held for the fifth time on Saturday 17 Sept in the Corn Street area with wide-ranging road closures in the city centre, a variety of street events and activities and travel information.
Other events during the week included:
Jam Busting Presentations at Bristol University, with prizes awarded to the winning participants of the Jam Busting June campaign during which 40,000 car miles were saved.
Travel Plan Awards in Bath to employers in the sub-region who have made further progress in 2004/5 in promoting smart commuting through their travel plans.
Road closure at Ashton Gate School and street activities to tie in with the construction of new classrooms meaning that children will need to cross the road to get to the main building.
Permanent schemes: Three new Home Zone Schemes in Southville completed and opened by Minister Derek Twigg during the week, and rising bollards installed in the Corn Street area
Contact: mike_ginger@bristol-city.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
European Mobility Week full participant
Colchester2020 Travel Plan Club, Living Streets and SGR Colchester (local radio station) teamed up to target car drivers during European Mobility Week on the radio and in the street with sustainable travel information and free bus tickets for the 22nd September car free day. A different business was targeted each day with information about the benefits of Travel Plans etc.
Permanent measure: Essex County Council launched its free Passport to Colchester booklet about alternative travel to the car, with a copy delivered to every household in Colchester.
Colchester2020 Travel Plan Club urged its members staff to leave their car at home on the 22nd through ITWMC newsletters, Travel Pioneers tales, freebies, vouchers and prize draws. Free cycle training was available to Travel Plan Club members in the weeks leading up to ITWMC day.
Car Free Day: Clairmont road was closed to motor vehicles, as Admirals Estate held a Street Party to celebrate the launch of a new Residents Association. The Mayor supported car free day by leaving his car at home and travelling to his official functions by alternative transport.
Contact: emily.harrup@colchester.gov.uk
European Mobility Week supporter
2,134 local businesses were contacted with promotional information about Mobility Week and Car Free Day, and Clever Commuting Packs were available from the council to any local business, containing a series of locally branded posters, car-share coasters (advertising car-share website), electronic pedometers (step counters), walking and cycling leaflets, bus timetables and a free ticket for a new bus route. The council also launched its own revised travel plan with internal activities - breakfast etc.
Contact: thaddeus.dell@crawley.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
European Mobility Week full participant
Permanent measure: On 18th September, to celebrate the start of European Mobility Week, Darlington's main shopping streets (High Row, Northgate, Bondgate and Prebend Row) were permanently closed to all motor traffic between 10am and 5pm. Outside these hours only service vehicles are allowed access.
The newly liberated car free space in the town centre was used for activities with children from nearby schools, including climbing, pavement art and storytelling.
Contact: owen.wilson@darlington.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Again this year we undertook the car free day challenge, encouraging employees to travel to work using sustainable transport. This year we had twice as many entrants as 2004, with over 120 employees taking part.
There were awards for five categories: the most effort made to use sustainable transport; the furthest distance using sustainable transport; the regular sustainable traveller award; the best team effort using sustainable transport; and the most unusual form of sustainable transport.
The most effort award went to Mandy Staple, Helen Heanes and Jo Rufus, who after being shackled together by their feet, hobbled the two miles to work. Mandy said that the three of them certainly made drivers wish they had not brought their cars in to town, because they brought traffic to a standstill whilst they attempted to cross the major roads in Dorchester.
Other unusual transport methods used by County Council staff were unicycle, roller blade and even shopping trolleys. Some staff used the more conventional sustainable travel methods such as cycling, walking and using public transport.
Dorset County Council Workplace Travel Plan Co-ordinator Darren Hall said "Last year's event achieved change in behaviour by a number of employees who continued to cycle, walk or use public transport to get to work. I'm hoping to achieve similar or greater changes in behaviour this year. In total over 556 miles were saved by the event - that is equivalent to going from Dorchester to the outskirts of Inverness"
Council employees were also challenged to improve their fitness by undertaking a step challenge. They were encouraged to include walking as part of their journey to work to enable them to achieve a daily average of 10,000 steps over a twelve-week period.
Permanent scheme: 17 new cycle lockers for County Hall
Contact: d.hall@dorsetcc.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
16 September - Launch of media campaign including four-page supplement in press and bus stop poster.
16-23 September - School Run - No Sweat initiative launched: a bus, provided by Eastbourne Buses, was converted in a mobile classroom and visited primary schools throughout the week.
At each school children divided into groups and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of travelling to school by different methods - bikes, walking, buses and car. They then came together to debate their preferred method - the activity was then given back to the school to encourage further discussion and consideration. The objective was to encourage sustainable ways of getting to school and help schools develop School Travel Plans with the help of children and parents.
17 September - Entertained visiting French cycling symposium to discuss and compare different approaches to school transport and cycling infrastructure.
20 September - Reception held for business community, local organisations and partners to launch Work Place Travel Plan initiative, support and toolkits.
20 - 22 September - TravelChoice exhibition launched in town centre - exhibition focused on improvements to bus services including real time bus information, new bus stock & bus priority routes and improved accessibility to rail services
Permanent scheme: Launch of web-based car-share database for residents
Contact: brian.deval@eastsussex.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
European Mobility Week full participant
Car Free Day: High Street, Egham was closed to motor traffic for car free day and a number of exhibition stands informed the public of the alternative transport options that are available to them in the local area such as Company Travel Plans, Surrey Car Share, Safe Routes to Schools, Road Safety, Runnymede Local transportation service (maintenance and scheme information), Existing and proposed cycle routes.
Others to take part were Royal Holloway University of London, South West Trains, Runnymede Borough Council - Local Development Framework, Energy Efficiency and Recycling Stand, Quality Bus Partnership stand and Yellow Bus Stand.
European Mobility Week: a series of events was held with schools during the week including cycle workshops, cycle rides, cycle training at a local school, a bike ride to link up with the car free event in Staines, face painting and colouring in for the children.
Co-ordinator's comments: "The response from the public was great. We hope to make this an annual event as we had a few good Q&A sessions with the public. It was a great way of promoting the alternatives to the car - the aim of the event so it turned out to be a success overall!"
Permanent schemes: Re-launch of the Quality Bus Partnership with new member BAA, and installation of six stainless steel bike parking stands on Egham High St
Contact: susanne.afra@surreycc.gov.uk
European Mobility Week full participant
Permanent scheme: ribbon cut on Hill Barton Road cycle path on the morning of 22nd September, attended by pupils from St Luke's Sports and Science College and St Peter's C of E school whose recent school travel plans highlighted the need for the new route.
Permanent scheme 2:The Exeter Cycle Guide and Map was updated, given a new look and launched during the week, containing useful information about on and off road cycle routes and all aspects of cycling in the city.
There were some great offers on bus travel, in support of the week, providing the ideal opportunity to give the bus a go. On Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September Stagecoach Devon offered the £15 One Day Family Explorer ticket for just £10, allowing a family (up to five people travelling together) unlimited travel on all Stagecoach Devon buses for one day. On Car Free Day Stagecoach Devon offered their £5 One Day Explorer ticket for just £3, allowing unlimited travel on the Stagecoach Devon network for the entire Car Free day. In North Devon, First Bus offered one week's travel for just £10 (normally £14) throughout European Mobility Week, available on most First buses as far as Hartland, Torrington, South Molton and Lynmouth.
Radio campaigns on Gemini and Lantern commercial radio promoted prize competitions to commuters travelling sustainably. Between 19 - 22 September a Radio Gemini presenter used a different form of transport each day and gave prizes to travellers who were walking, cycling, or using the train or bus.
BUSINESSES across Devon were also invited to take up the TravelWise challenge in support of the day. Employers with more than 50 members of staff who are in the process of developing, or already have in place a travel plan, were asked to encourage staff to try a different and more sustainable way of travelling to work on that day rather than making the journey on their own in a car.
Using an idea borrowed from Dorset TravelWise, there were also individual prizes for the best team effort, most unusual form of travel, furthest distance travelled and for the regular sustainable traveller. Award winners included two members of Teignbridge District Council who rowed up the river from Teignmouth to Newton Abbot to work on the 22nd, and an Exeter City Council staff member who has cycled a 16 mile round trip to work for 17 years along a very busy main road and has even been known to wear waders so he can carry his bike over his head during floods!
Devon TravelWise offered a grant of £1,000 to the organisation which had the highest percentage of its staff commuting by sustainable travel. The winning organisation could also get up to a further £2,000 matched funding for the purchase of cycle storage or pool bikes for staff, for example.
Contact: lesley.c.smith@devon.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
A Commuter Challenge event from Lewsey to Luton Town Hall established that car is not the fastest mode: the cyclist came in first at 26 minutes, followed by bus user at 37 minutes, and last, the car driver at 40 minutes. Cycle trains came in from a number of locations around the town; there was a Clever Commuting stand in the town centre on 22 September; and free cycle training lessons were available all week, with separate classes tailored to men/women.
Permanent scheme: Launch of a new Home Zone, including offering personalised travel plans to HZ residents
Contact: stephen.morris@luton.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
European Mobility Week supporter
Manchester linked up with neighbouring City Salford to celebrate 'European Mobility Week'. On Sunday 18 September 2005 the UK's only solar and wind powered, all-human green circus was at the heart of the day-long eco fest to highlight "In Town Without My Car! day. Bridge Street West, at the boundary between the cities, was a car free zone, transformed by colourful clowns, jugglers and even a solar powered roundabout. The aim of the day was to encourage people to consider healthier and more environmentally friendly methods of travel, such as public transport, walking and cycling. Thousands of free all mode public transport tickets were distributed for use throughout European Mobility Week.
On Thursday 22 September 2005 Manchester held a further event to celebrate "In Town Without My Car! day on Myrtle Street, next to Ashbury Meadow Community School in Bradford. The street was closed to motors and opened up to create an open-air theatre and street party zone. Children enjoyed a play themed on the health and environmental benefits of cutting car use on the school run, followed by an old fashioned street party aimed at showing how traffic-free streets can be enjoyed by local communities.
Contact: a.sparrow@manchester.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week full participant
Friday 16th September: Mobility Shop promotions, to encourage awareness of transport options available
Saturday 17th September: National Cycle Network event organised by Sustrans, including a long distance ride from Cambridge to Preston which passed through Bury on Saturday, September 17th
Sunday 18th September: Health Walks / Blue Badge Walks - Encourage walking activity through promotional activity and organised walk(s)
Monday 19th September: NHS partnership working on health - Highlight cycling by staff across bury NHS and Bury MBC through press photo call promotion
Tuesday 20th September: Cleaner greener Vehicles - Promotional Activity to highlight effects on Air Quality of vehicles emissions
Wednesday 21st September: GMPTE - in support and to promote ECFD 22/09/05 and part of the Greater Manchester public transport promotion to encourage bus travel through one day of free travel through registering to make a difference
Thursday 22nd September: School rewards - Acknowledge Walking Bus/Cycling initiatives undertaken by schools across through out the year and on ECFD 2005
The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) provided their exhibition unit for the day during a road closure in the town centre. Also, health walks were organised, along with cycle rides and car emission checks.
The town centre road closure and use of exhibition units was successful as they had a highly visual impact and also provided good information and free travel vouchers.
Contact: a.hough@bury.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Permanent scheme 1: Oldham MBC's car sharing scheme was launched. Registered car-share members are eligible for a priority car parking space and are automatically entered into a monthly prize draw.
Permanent scheme 2: Newly refurbished showers in the Civic centre
Permanent scheme 3: Free parking for alternatively fuelled vehicles
FREE breakfast from the Civic Centre Café for people cycling or walking to work on car free day
Oldham Police were available to code staff's bikes, which will help them be traced if they are ever stolen or lost.
Personal alarms were available FREE for staff who walk to work to help them feel more secure.
Public Transport: A representative from First Group was available to give any information needed on the OMBC discounted bus ticket scheme or queries about First buses in general.
GMPTE attended to do Personal Journey Planning for anyone unsure on how to get from A to B on public transport.
FREE bus, train & tram tickets were available before the day to be used on any day of that week.
Free emissions testing and public transport information was available to the public on the 23rd of September at Morrisons.
Contact: angela.carr@oldham.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week full participant
Car Free Day Saturday 17th Sept 2005 - Road closure of the Home Zone in Wardleworth - Information stalls, artists and healthy active play including the GMPTE Exibus and Public Transport Information.
Clever Commuting Challenge - Competition for town centre businesses to encourage sustainable modes of travel during the whole of European Mobility Week.
Active Travel Sessions - European Mobility Week links with our Schools Environment Fortnight (LEAF). Throughout the week, schools engaged in curriculum and practical activities on walking and cycling.
Permanent schemes: Launch of the Rochdale Borough Cycle Map and Shawclough Cycleway on 22nd September.
Contact: daniel.griffiths@rochdale.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
St Petersgate, a main road in the city centre was restricted to motors for the entire day. St Petersgate car park was also closed for the day
The car park was filled with a variety of activities including a Stockpod for the public to be able to give their opinions on regeneration issues, a cyber bike, a variety of information stalls, cycle projects and more. Stockport MBC worked in partnership with other organisations including Stockport Primary Care Trust and local primary schools.
Contact: michelle.fallows@stockport.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
The GMPTE Exhibus came to town to provide details of local public transport services with information and advice in Leigh Town Centre on September 22nd. In Wigan town centre a street stall provided information on sustainable travel, the environment and health, and there was a display of racing bicycles by the local cycling club. Children from local primary schools put on a cycle training demonstration as well as showing off their skipping skills in Wigan Town Centre as well.
Contact: drivingchange@wiganmbc.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Knowsley joined the Merseyside TravelWise partnership and supports events for the week. 20th September was Knowsley cycle day - a public bike ride involving local schools in Halewood. Local schools promoted car free days and park away schemes and sent pupils on public transport, including a trip on the ferry, to the road closure in the Liverpool city centre in support of their curriculum work on sustainable transport.
Contact: paul.buntin@knowsley.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
European Mobility Week full participant
The full week of activities in Liverpool included:
16/09/05 Permanent scheme: Launch of Liverpool Car Share Database
17/09/05 Walking events- organised walks using Liverpool City Council Park Rangers.
18/09/05 National Walking Day events promoting walking for leisure and recreation, Liverpool 'Sea Cycles' event.
19/09/05 Cycling promotion including launch of 'Rideabout 2' in conjunction with Merseytravel (new publication promoting cycle routes accessible by public transport).
20/09/05 TravelWise to School and Study day, including promotion of TravelWise grant success at John Moores University as part of their Workplace Travel Plan.
21/09/05 Public Transport promotion in conjunction with local bus operator and Merseyside businesses. Launch of Liverpool's Year of Public Transport.
22/09/05 European Car Free Day - Road closure on Castle Street, Rumford Place and Hanover Street to demonstrate public realm and launch of consultation on the permanent pedestrianisation in the area. Street entertainment and information stands and displays.
23/09/05 Walking events including the launch of a new Liverpool Calorie Map, and promotion of Walk to Work events.
24/09/05 Sustainable Leisure and Shopping, including raising awareness of food miles, and the importance of shopping locally. Encouraging shoppers to use public transport and leave cars at home.
25/09/05 Health promotion through Heart of Mersey 'Big Heart Festival'
Contact: alice.rickwood@liverpool.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Support for "in town without my car" day as part of TravelWise week
Contact: steve.whitehouse@technical.sefton.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Working with colleagues across Merseyside to promote events during TravelWise Week.
Events for local authority staff throughout the week including competitions, free bus tickets and liftshare promotion. School events include walking bus trial and cycle training.
Contact: emmayoung@wirral.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
24th - 25th SEPTEMBER 2005 SUSTAINABLE CITY EVENT
Midsummer Boulevard between Saxon Gate and Lower Ninth Street was closed to motor traffic for the whole weekend to stage a Sustainable City event in Midsummer Place featuring half price travel, London for a £2, Fuel at 40p per litre, free shows, rides and balloons, free low-energy bulbs, the latest in two-wheel technology, sustainable schools, discounted travel, and an opportunity to comment on the New Local Transport Plan and on the latest bus infrastructure.
Permanent schemes: CARSHAREMK rail commuter scheme, revised parking regulations, bus lane extensions, extension of quality bus routes, bus shelter upgrade
Contact: transport@grahamsimpkins.com
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Grey Street, "the best street in Britain" (Radio 4 poll), was closed to motors on Saturday 24th September, and turned into a celebration of living with all kinds of attractions, entertainers, music, activities and a great atmosphere.
All photos by Colin Percy of Tynebikes
Contact: donald.kent@newcastle.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week full participant
Permanent scheme: implemented: cycle/walking infrastructure on a local industrial estate to promote greater commuting.
Series of roadshows held to promote new cycle maps, free cycle helmets and pedometers, and running competitions to win a free bike. Staff Travel Plan Exhibition throughout the county.
Contact: lspatcher@northamptonshire.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Broad Street in the city centre was closed to motor traffic on 22nd Sept for a Car Free Day event and used for a cycle rally organised by the local cycle group in the morning. For the remainder of the day the street remained a car free space for people to enjoy with stalls, while local cafes put out tables and chairs. There was free car parking in the City Council-managed Park and Ride car parks throughout the week, and a general promotion of alternatives to using the private car.
Contact: rcarley@oxford.gov.uk
European Mobility Week supporter
A week of events running from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd September to link in our Travelchoice Project with European Mobility Week, featuring: launch of Good Going Pledge Card Campaign in Peterborough, Cycle by Train Information & Promotion, Transport Area Guides, Promotional items and competitions, and a chance to win a Brompton folding bike.
Permanent scheme: launch of SMS Bus Stop Text Messaging
Contact: jamie.gray@peterborough.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Saturday 17th September to Sunday 25th - a series of events linked with "Welcome to Walking Week", including health walks on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Thursday lunchtime, and leisure walks on the two Saturdays.
Alternative Travel Displays - all week - at Salisbury District Council Offices, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury Library and Five Rivers Leisure Centre.
Thursday 22nd September was "Salisbury Alternative Transport Day" in Queen Street, involving the local bus and rail operators, car club, local cycling organisations and Walking for Health groups with a wide range of information displays about all sustainable modes of transport.
Contact: ghobbs@salisbury.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Comprehensive promotional campaign for ITWMC and the benefits of reduced single occupancy private car travel on South Yorkshires leading independent radio station and associated promotions on the drive time breakfast show during the week.
Promotion of public transport on TravelWise website and the offer of 1,000 day county TravelMaster tickets available to those requesting a personalised journey plan for the day, giving people the opportunity to test the entire public transport network in South Yorkshire.
Contact: stephen.brown@rotherham.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Permanent schemes: Official Launch of Town Centre Walking Maps and revised cycle map, and Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Foundation Trust Travel Plan Official Launch.
Virtual Bike available from PCT Doncaster Healthy Living Fund. For use with display trailers in town centre.
A walk organised from DRI to Town Centre with invitations to local members, respiratory/CHD consultant and members of healthy walking groups in Doncaster.
Healthy Breakfast and similar event to last year's town centre walk to be organised. Town centre displays (STU, PCT, PC, Markets, TC, involved) in Mansion House and healthy lunch for walkers on arrival proposed.
Trax FM - 'Walking Month' and ITWMC promoted with Active Recreation, Countryside Unit and PCT East.
Promotion to parents at Hall Cross School, aimed at reducing car journeys to drop children off at school during the week.
Promotion of events on the rear of car parking tickets throughout Doncaster - promoting the TravelWise Website and ITWMC
Cycle ride by staff between air pollution units
General South Yorkshire Activities -
Comprehensive promotional campaign for ITWMC and the benefits of reduced single occupancy private car travel on South Yorkshires leading independent radio station and associated promotions on the drive time breakfast show during the week.
Promotion of public transport on TravelWise website and the offer of 1,000 day county TravelMaster tickets available to those requesting a personalised journey plan for the day, giving people the opportunity to test the entire public transport network in South Yorkshire.
Contact: stephen.brown@rotherham.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Celebration of School Travel Plans on Monday 19th September 2005 at Bailey House, Rotherham - an ideal opportunity to acknowledge the work that is taking place in schools and to find out more about the benefits of travel plans. Hosted by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council's Making Trax and Care4Air, the South Yorkshire wide air quality campaign, and will kickstart Care4Air Week which coincided with EMW. Councillor Hilda Jack, Worshipful Lord Mayor, presented certificates to all schools that have participated in school travel plans to date.
General South Yorkshire Activities -
Comprehensive promotional campaign for ITWMC and the benefits of reduced single occupancy private car travel on South Yorkshires leading independent radio station and associated promotions on the drive time breakfast show during the week.
Promotion of public transport on TravelWise website and the offer of 1,000 day county TravelMaster tickets available to those requesting a personalised journey plan for the day, giving people the opportunity to test the entire public transport network in South Yorkshire.
Contact: stephen.brown@rotherham.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
European Mobility Week full participant
Permanent scheme: Portobello Street (Sheffield University) was permanently closed to motor traffic on Car Free Day 22nd September, in fresher's week with full support from the university's Vice Chancellor. The launch day of this new cycle/pedestrian street included craft stalls & food stalls. BBC weatherman Paul Hudson officially closed the street with a speech on air quality, pollution and the effects of transport.
Other activities included display of cycles, virtual bike, stage area with competitions, First South Yorkshire fully accessible bus, Sheffield Community Transports Bio Diesel vehicle, pedal pushers, Care4Air and Travel Wise Display, SAFE and TOPS (Transport Executive projects).
General South Yorkshire Activities -
Comprehensive promotional campaign for ITWMC and the benefits of reduced single occupancy private car travel on South Yorkshires leading independent radio station and associated promotions on the drive time breakfast show during the week.
Promotion of public transport on TravelWise website and the offer of 1,000 day county TravelMaster tickets available to those requesting a personalised journey plan for the day, giving people the opportunity to test the entire public transport network in South Yorkshire.
Contact: stephen.brown@rotherham.gov.uk
European Mobility Week supporter
A sustainable transport conference titled Think Transport was held on 19th September - guest speakers included Transport Minister Karen Buck MP and representatives of major employers in the Southampton area. Also, on the same day, a trail blazing cycle ride to commemorate the completion of 10,000 miles of the National Cycle Network
Permanent measure: A road closure in the City Centre to improve access to retail and business areas in the Bargate area
Contact: rod.anderson@southampton.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
Church Street was closed to motors on 22nd September, features included: twinning of event with Egham Car Free Day (see Egham entry, above); dignitaries travelled between the two events by sustainable modes; ride and rail service to and from train station; old and new bus display; fuel efficient vehicles; cycling displays; train operator displays; surveys of shoppers, workers etc.; circular horse and trap ride; local journalists reported on their experiences of a commuter challenge between two local town centres - one by bike the other by train.
Contact: alan.harvey@surreycc.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Permanent measure: high profile launch of new 'Bus Map & Guide' along with Journey Planner website and SMS text messaging option.
Permanent scheme 2: Staffordshire Share-A-Lift car sharing scheme at the University Hospital (7,000 employees) was launched - they organised 'how many nurses can you fit into a mini' in order to raise the awareness of and to encourage people to car share by registering with www.share-a-lift.com.
Permanent scheme 3: New grant scheme available to local businesses (£5K), encouraging sustainable travel.
A week-long display at the Civic Offices encouraged people to think and change the way they travel and the benefits this would have on their health.
A Sustainable Travel (free) Breakfast for City Council Staff on the 22nd September.
The quality of reporting by the local press was variable. The radio stations were both positive and gave generous air space to the week (dubbed locally as TravelWise Week). The daily paper, (The Sentinel) provided several features on TravelWise and sustainable travel but then questioned the worthiness of this work. Letters to the Editor in subsequent weeks ranged from supportive to hostile.
Contact: john.nichol@stoke.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
The Local Agenda 21 team in partnership with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust organised a race between the mayor's car, bus, motorbike, cyclists and a runner. The sun shone on as the race team set of from West Swindon at 8.20am. Rainbow Robin, Gill Chandler, Daryl Jones (dressed as a polar bear) and Ruth Baker hopped on the bus.
Results were as follows:
Motorbike just over 13 minutes
Cyclists at 13 minutes and 38 seconds
Car driver at 13 minutes and 39 seconds
Bus users at 18 minutes and 10 seconds
Runner at 28 minutes
BBC Radio Swindon followed the event, maintaining contact with the mayor in the car and Gill on the bus. It proved an interesting race and certainly got the message across about alternative modes of transport.
Contact: gchandler@swindon.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Rugby Town Hall car park was closed and stands promoting walking, cycling and public transport were brought in. A theatre company presented a production on safe walking and cycling to local school groups who walked to the event. They were given a quiz asking questions about the different stands and prizes were given per class. Unicyclist and juggler were very entertaining and the children enjoyed chalk drawing on the pavement. £2.50 lunch voucher as a reward for anyone who came to the event by sustainable travel.
Stands and activities included countryside recreation promoting leisure walking and cycling, police postcoding bikes, TravelWise, local bike shop, stagecoach promoting public transport, music, discount lunch voucher for sustainable travellers etc.
Prior to the event BBC Coventry and Warwickshire were quite negative and said that people can't leave their cars at home as there is no alternative for most people's daily journeys. However there was more positive coverage by Rugby FM - sound bites in the news and positive from BBC radio at the event itself. Rugby papers were also positive.
Permanent schemes: new Rugby cycle map and opening of the Dumchurch cycle route from the Cock Robin roundabout on the outskirts of town, where it links to the Dunchurch to Ashlawn School cycle route.
Contact: lauravesty@warwickshire.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Warwick Cycle Races on Sunday 18th September: roads within Warwick Town Centre were closed to motor traffic for the cycle races organised by British Cycling with Warwick County Council as the main sponsor. Activities included: race featuring national champions; come and try it race; children's amusements; cycling skill test; and various stands promoting green transport
Contact: lauravesty@warwickshire.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
1,350 motorists across the West Midlands region left their car at home for In Town Without My Car Day, in exchange for free public transport by bus, tram or train offered by local public transport operator Centro. A spokesman said: "We are not anti-car. Our aim is for public transport to be a viable and cost effective alternative for motoring, especially for the daily commute."
Contact: rachelhooper@centro.org.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
See Birmingham above
Contact: rachelhooper@centro.org.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
See Birmingham above
Contact: rachelhooper@centro.org.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
See Birmingham above
Contact: rachelhooper@centro.org.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
See Birmingham above
Contact: rachelhooper@centro.org.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
See Birmingham above
Contact: rachelhooper@centro.org.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week full participant
Permanent scheme: EMW marked the start of a major refurbishment of the city centre pedestrianised zone, starting in Queen Street.
Permanent scheme 2: On Saturday 24 September Wolverhampton City Council and local residents officially opened Wolverhampton's First Home Zone at Poets' Corner, Fordhouses.
A local car park was closed for the day for the event, with exhibition and a fun day for residents including a bouncy castle, a competition to win bicycles, toddlers' play area, 5 a side football, cycle maintenance and training, fire engine and educational displays and exhibitions.
An organised cycle ride on Car Free Day, to promote the clever commuting theme, used off-road routes along the Smestow Valley Railway Path, from Aldersley Stadium, Wolverhampton to Wombourne, returning along canal towpaths. The aim was to encourage leisure cycling as a stepping-stone to building confidence and encouraging cycling for utility activities such as commuting.
Public within the West Midlands were also able to pledge to leave their car at home on the 22nd September and receive a Centrocard multi modal day ticket.
Contact: ric.bravery@wolverhampton.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
Winchester's 9th Alternative Transport Day was held on 22 September 2005 in the High Street, to showcase new sustainable transport technology such as alternative fuel vehicles, LPG scooters and electric bikes to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and noise in the city. The event was aimed at raising awareness of cheaper, cleaner and more energy efficient ways of getting around.
Councillor Neil Baxter, Mayor of Winchester, visited exhibitors during the morning and tried out an LPG scooter which costs only 2 pence a mile to run, and took a test drive in a hybrid Lexus RX400h.
Hampshire Constabulary became the first police force in the UK to evaluate the fully marked operational Lexus RX400h, an advanced hybrid SUV comprising a petrol engine and two electric motors, delivering superb MPG and significantly reduced emissions.
Contacts: sallyhawthorne@forum-pr.co.uk mhill@winchester.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
19th September - Launch of Worcester Choose How You Move: The Choose how you move project was officially launched on September 19th with the start of an advertising campaign across Worcester City. The campaign focused on public transport to coincide with the launch of the 'Worcester Express' bus services. Advertising appeared on buses, billboards, newspapers and banners across Worcester High Street. All adverts displayed details of the new Choose how you move website www.worcestershire.gov.uk/choose.
22nd September - The Choose How You Move team were in Worcester High Street to advise on travel choice in and around Worcester. More than 150 residents and visitors called in on the team in the City Centre. They picked up information on making a sustainable travel choice, with hot topics including walking and cycling routes, car sharing schemes and the new Worcester Express bus routes. Company of Cyclists also attended with a Get Cycling Roadshow. The show was a massive success, with 150 people trying one or more of the bikes out. The younger visitors were enthralled by the weird and wonderful bikes, with the bicycle made for four proving especially popular.
Contact: abayliss2@worcestershire.gov.uk
The Minister for Economic Development and Transport, Andrew Davies, attended events in Swansea for In Town Without My Car Day on the 22nd September 2005 in order to promote the joint workings of Swansea NHS Trust and the City and County of Swansea in the Park & Ride scheme.
Welsh Assembly Minister for Economic Development and Transport Andrew Davies dons a European Mobility Week t-shirt to launch the Welsh Car Free Day.
The Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Transport, Tamsin Dunwoody, attended events held in Flint and Mold on the 22nd September 2005. Events included school 'walking buses' and cycling road shows, but the main event of the day was the Seminar on Sustainable Transport held in the Taith Forum. Further events included the opening of a bus link and 'Question Time' where school pupils could ask the Minister questions.
The Minister for the Environment, Planning and Countryside, Carwyn Jones, attended In Town Without My Car Day events held in Bridgend, including the promotion of Local Authority's Walking and Cycling Strategy.
The Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport, Alun Pugh, attended the British Gas event in support of European Mobility Week and In Town Without My Car Day. As the theme of EMW was "Clever Commuting", the Deputy Minister was seated on the front of an eight-seater tandem bike with British Gas employees for this photo call.
The Deputy Minister for the responsibility for Older People, John Griffiths, attended Newport City Council's "In Town Without my Car" initiative on the 15th September 2005. This initiative saw cars being crushed in exchange for free travel on Newport Transport and Arriva Trains Wales services for a whole year.
Arriva Trains Wales offered Two-for-One travel after 9.15am from the 16th-22nd September
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
Permanent measures: new cycle route to the town centre inaugurated and publication of the local Walking and Cycling Strategy.
Street Closure: Station Hill in town centre was closed to motors to encourage walking and public transport use and promote the "Festival of Wales" event with stands and live music, free refreshments at the rail and bus stations, local arts and crafts, local foods and agriculture, and the Sewta Car Share database.
Contact: opokuk@bridgend.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
22nd September was "Walk to School" day at Llangennech
Infants and Junior Schools, followed by a musical road
show. The youngsters were joined by Carmarthenshire
County Council road safety mascot Gari Gosafe for the walk
with parents and staff. Popular entertainers the
Gregory Brothers were waiting at school to greet the pupils
when they arrived by Walking Bus.
Copies of a bilingual publication 'Cutting Your Car Use' were
handed out to all families involved in the school and to any
passers by en route along the organised walk.
Environment executive board member Councillor Pam Palmer said: "The authority is committed to raising awareness about sustainable transport and the Walking Bus is an excellent example of that."
Contact: smiles@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
"License to Ride!" Car drivers just had to show their driving licences to bus drivers on any bus journey starting or ending in Flintshire or Denbighshire to get a free bus journey.
There were also 150 free one-week bus passes on offer on a first come first served basis, for use throughout North Wales and North West England on any Arriva bus services.
Free Swimming Vouchers were offered to people who walked or cycled to work on Car Free Day.
And a chance to win a year's free travel with Arriva by keeping a diary of bus journeys; diaries were judged by the Managing Director of Arriva North West & Wales.
Contact: peter.daniels@denbighshire.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
Permanent scheme: Opening of a new bus-only link, controlled by rising bollards, in the Deeside Industrial Estate alongside recently opened section of the Dee Coastal Path.
Car Free Day: Church Street was closed to motor traffic for the day between 9am and 4pm, enabling the street to be used as a social space for people to enjoy a range of activities.
The theme of 'Clever Commuting' aimed to raise awareness of the health, safety and environmental issues associated with traffic congestion in town centres and to tie in with this theme the following activities and exhibitions attended the event. where events included a "Get Cycling" road show, Fitness Testing, Car Sharing Displays, entertainment and the arrival of school 'Walking Buses'.
Pupils from two primary schools participated in a Walking Bus Demonstration, arriving in Church Street for 10 am. They were greeted by Tamsin Dunwoody, the Deputy Minister for Economic Development & Transport, who chatted to them about the health and environmental benefits of walking to school.
A Bus Users UK Surgery helped bus passenger groups communicate their views to bus companies - all were welcome to go along and make their voices heard.
"License to Ride!" Car drivers just had to show their driving licences to bus drivers on any bus journey starting or ending in Flintshire or Denbighshire to get a free bus journey.
Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Transport, Tamsin Dunwoody, attended a Transport Forum Question Time event at Theatre Clwyd, answering questions from local school pupils.
A 'Good Health' health challenge marquee provided basic health checks (blood pressure checks, weight, height and lifestyle questionnaire), health challenge Wales promotion and freebies, loan of stepometers to support increased physical activity, lots of heart health advice and information, consultation on physical activity needs across the county, cycle challenge using an exercise bike to encourage people to get out and about on their bikes.
Fleet Management held an exhibition to inform people about good vehicle maintenance & selection.
Road Safety Exhibition Trailer Unit provided Road Safety
Education, Publicity and information on all aspects of road
safety.
Walkabout Flintshire Local Volunteer Walk Leaders held an
exhibition on the programme of activities available which
resulted in 35 people joining up to the programme on the day.
The Company of Cyclists brought along the GETCycling Roadshow which included around 25 cycles including good examples of modern utility bikes, some more exotic machines and fun bikes for the under-fives.
Four staff ensured the event ran smoothly and safely, answered specific queries, encouraged as many people to try as many of the bikes as possible and generally enthuse people about cycling and its many benefits.
Sustrans had an exhibition stand to promote over 1,000 miles of cycle pathway in the UK and gave away maps and information packs detailing all the routes.
'Dr Bike' was on hand to provide free bike maintenance checks and advice.
Three community transport/voluntary car schemes attended to inform people about their services and recruit volunteers.
Flint Library held an exhibition of posters made by pupils from a local primary school, and visitors to the library were invited to vote for their favourite one.
Contact: ian_stokes@flintshire.co.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
A Transport Exhibition in County Hall in Haverfordwest promoted cycling, public transport, car sharing and walking. A Bike Doctor and individual Travel Plans were also available at the exhibition.
Local Bus operators offered discounted fares for the day, including the Arriva Offer and reduced tickets for all people on Silcox and Richards Buses.
Park and Cycle Scheme. Two sites were identified on the outskirts of the town for all commuters to park their vehicles and then cycle, car share or walk into the town.
County Hall staff were encouraged to travel to work by sustainable means (Prize Raffle).
Contact: clare_williams@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
An Alternative Transport Road Show moved around local town centres (Port Talbot, Neath and Pontardawe) during EMW promoting car sharing, road safety, Dr Bike service, general information on greener travel, and a raffle to win free public transport vouchers.
Contact: n.headon@npt.gov.uk
European Mobility Week supporter
Newport made local, national and international headlines with its innovative "Crush Your Car" event.
Volunteers were invited to have their (roadworthy) cars crushed on the High Street, in exchange for free public transport on buses across Gwent and on Arriva Trains Wales services across Wales for a year.
Five people took advantage of this unique offer which was comprehensively covered by local & national radio & television as well as BBC NEWS 24 and BBC World news.
Other events included a Clever Commuting Competition for Sixth Form Students, an experimental Park & Ride scheme based at the Tredegar Park, and ad-bikes in the city centre offering free lifts to people around the city, carrying approximately 120 passengers per day throughout the week.
In Town, Without My Car! supporter
European Mobility Week supporter
A mass bike ride on Saturday 17th September by Swansea Council and the partners of Swansea Bay Alternative Travel Forum promoted the forthcoming In Town Without My Car Day. Also present was a bike doctor from Cycleworld to do any last minute repairs.
22nd September was Bus Discount Day on First Cymru Buses where a day ticket cost just £2.50 all day (normally £3.10 before 10am)
Promotion of Car Share Initiative - all the Swansea Bay Alternative Travel Forum members helped to promote the South West Wales car share scheme Swwitch2share.com
The Minister for Economic Development and Transport, Andrew Davies, attended events in Swansea for In Town Without My Car Day on the 22nd September 2005 in order to promote the joint workings of Swansea NHS Trust and the City and County of Swansea in the Park & Ride scheme.
Welsh Assembly Minister for Economic Development And Transport Andrew Davies dons a European Mobility Week t-shirt to launch the Welsh Car Free Day.
Contact: michael.whittaker@swansea.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
European Mobility Week full participant
Daily themes
16 Sept: Walks, child pedestrian training, health issues
17 Sept: Walks, 20mph speed limits, health issues
18 Sept: Walks, cycling measures, health issues
19 Sept: Walks, Safer Routes to Schools, health issues
20 Sept: Walks, Quality Bus Corridors, health issues
21 Sept: Walks, cycle training, health issues
22 Sept: Walks, children's art, In Town Without My Car Day, health issues
Car Free Day features included: local school performances of dance, pipe band, aerobics display, bouncy castle, face painting, Chinese Lion, cycle skills, pedal cars, old fashioned street games, health checks, walks, Up2U Bus, CHIP van, air/noise pollution measurements.
Permanent measures: New 20mph speed limits around schools which have recently developed their School Travel Plans.
Contact: lesley.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk
European Mobility Week full participant
A big scale commuter challenge event was organised for the morning rush-hour on car free day on 22nd September from four points around the city to the Mound, arriving there approximately 8.30 am. Commuters travelled from the two new Park and Ride sites, Hermiston and Ingliston, as well as Morningside and Ocean Terminal. Transport modes were bikes, cars, buses and trains.
Results (in full, below) show that even if you choose to ride on a back street scenic route, cycling is the fastest way to go! (figures in brackets are minutes commuting time)
From Morningside to the Mound: the cyclist using main roads finished 1st in just 13 minutes, followed a minute later by another cyclist using a more scenic less direct route(14). Ten minutes later the car driver arrived (24), followed by the bus user (26). Results from the other three start points followed a very similar pattern:
From Ocean Terminal to the Mound:
1. Cyclist using main roads (18)
2. Cyclist using scenic route (20)
3. Car driver (23)
4. Bus user (38)
From Ingliston Park & Ride to the Mound
1. Cyclist, main roads (20)
2. Car driver (31)
3. Bus user (36)
From Hermiston Park & Ride to the Mound
1. Cyclist, main roads (22)
2. Bus user (23)
3. Car driver (34)
A mock-up tram was on display in Princes Street Gardens from 8-23 September.
Free Bus travel from NEW Ingliston Park and Ride site for EMW.
Spokes cycle campaign ran a competition 'My Favourite Bike
Ride' in or around Edinburgh' with some great prizes on
offer
Monday 19th September: a Try Cycling in Edinburgh event with
information and various cycling activities throughout the
day.
Permanent feature: Wednesday 21st September Walking Bus launch event in conjunction with School Travel Plan at Parsons Green Primary School.
Contact: eddie.mcdowell@edinburgh.gov.uk
In Town, Without My Car! full participant
European Mobility Week full participant
Friday 16 September 2005 was 'Bike to Work Day'. Free cycle training was widely advertised and taken up by a range of people from complete beginners (never ridden a bike) to those wishing to refresh their existing skills before venturing out into city traffic conditions. Training also included basic cycle maintenance, eg how to carry out simple safety checks and fix a puncture.
Permanent scheme 1: on Monday 19 September 2005, in keeping with the Clever Commuting theme, the Streamline enhanced bus service was launched at the Kelvinhall International Sports Arena. Buses will be faster, more frequent and more reliable, thanks to a £31 million, 10-year partnership agreement between the public and private sectors. A state-of-the-art Bus Information and Signalling system will reduce traffic congestion and provide real time passenger information along eight key bus corridors across the City. The system will provide the public with higher quality and faster journey times on 120 kilometres of Glasgow's Quality Bus Corridors. Quality bus shelters with real time passenger information displays have been provided at stops along the Faifley-to-Baillieston corridor and on board CCTV security cameras will improve passenger safety. Other features include raised kerbs at bus stops to aid passengers such as wheel chair users and those with prams and buggies.
One of the highlights of the launch involved the real time information display at the bus stop and the approaching number 62 bus being filmed live and relayed back to the audience via a screen to show the sophisticated system in action.
Permanent scheme 2: on Tuesday 20 September 2005, Councillor William O'Rourke launched the 'Free Bikes to School 'Pilot scheme at St Mungo's Academy. This original and innovative pilot scheme is aimed at promoting cycling as both a method of transport and a leisure activity amongst young people. The city council has donated 30 Trek 3900 bicycles, helmets, locks and reflective belts, at a cost of £6,000, to St Mungo's Academy for a trial period from September to December 2005. The bicycles and equipment will be available to pupils, on a free loan basis, to form a cycling group under the stewardship of PC Geoff Smith (school based police officer). The pupils will also learn about cycle maintenance and will undertake the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme. Should this trial prove successful it is hoped to make it available to other schools in Glasgow in the future.
Permanent scheme 3: 'Glasgow City Health Walks' is an exciting new project designed to encourage people to take up walking. Walking routes are being developed throughout the city over the next year, relatively short (½ mile to 2 miles) in parks or on local paths and mainly on flat ground, such that they are suitable for those who take little or no exercise at present. The emphasis is on gentle exercise, making it easy for all sorts of individuals to become involved, meet new people and take those first steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Wednesday 21 September 2005: Schools in Glasgow were invited to take part in the second annual 'Hands Up for Glasgow Great School Travel Tally', following on from the successful launch of this initiative during European Mobility Week in 2004. Pupils were asked how they travelled to school on this day through a show of hands at 9am. Posters were produced to advertise the Travel Tally within schools and each pupil who participated received a 'Count me In!' sticker. Completed survey forms have been received from 120 Primary Schools, 17 Secondary Schools and 10 Independent Schools, representing an excellent return rate of 64%. The results provided by the survey will provide valuable citywide information about travel habits to school and thanks should be given to all schools in the City for the support given to this ongoing initiative.
Thursday 22 September 2005: In Town Without My Car The road in front of the City Chambers between Cochrane Street and George Street was closed to motor traffic from 7am to 6pm (except for emergency vehicles). This resulted in the feeling of the City Chambers being part of George Square for this day.
A survey of the general public's attitudes to the car free day campaign was undertaken by attending Council staff, using the standard European survey questionnaire. Results were very encouraging: 82.5% of respondents to the survey thought that 'In Town Without my Car Day' was either a very good or quite good idea; 70% of respondents thought that, if repeated, the car free zone should be bigger next year; the main benefits of the day were felt to be that it was easier to walk around (16%); there was less pollution (15.4%) and it felt safer (14.4%).
Also in George Square, the Company of Cyclists provided a free cycle try-out show, where members of the public were encouraged to try out various usual and unusual bikes in all shapes and sizes. This proved very popular, despite poor weather. Members of Land Service's Cycle Unit were also on hand to provide local technical knowledge on cycling issues in Glasgow, as well as distributing cycling information literature to the public. Strathclyde Police were also present in George Square to provide information on cycle security to the public.
Contact: katy.gillies@ls.glasgow.gov.uk