12 September 2008: Free Cycle Lewes map launched as part of air quality campaign

Media: 1048

Today saw the launch of the free Cycle Lewes map that is now available from Lewes District Councils Tourist Information Centre and a variety of outlets in the town of Lewes including local shops, bike shops, leisure centres and library.

Eddie Collict, Lead Councillor for the Environment at Lewes District Council said Cycling is liberating, quick and a cheap way of travelling, particularly in towns. Cycling does not pollute the air and is generally better for the environment as well as being a more enjoyable way of travelling. This free Cycle Lewes map will help you find routes particularly suitable for cycling, that you may not know about if you normally travel by bus or car.

I am grateful to all those who have made this map possible and who wish to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm.

The launch marks the start of a campaign by the Council to promote air quality during the week of 13th - 19th September. People are being encouraged to cycle, car share, walk, or use public transport to help reduce air pollution within the town of Lewes.

Fume Free Friday is 19th September and local people have been busy pledging to travel in a more sustainable way both on the day and during next week. Students and staff from Ringmer Community College have already pledged to promote safe cycling as a means of transport by the provision of safety maintenance courses for pupils and staff as well as new improved cycle racks.

Lots of events have been planned on Fume Free Friday 19th September at Cliffe Precinct celebrating Lewes as a place to live, work, shop and socialise.

With just seven days to go until Fume Free Friday please get involved:

Make your travel pledge
Pick up your copy of the new Lewes Cycle map from Lewes TIC and try out new routes around Lewes on your bike
Join in with the walking quiz of Lewes (prize donated by the Outdoor Shop)
Visit the lost Parish of St Mary in the Market exhibition at the Subud Centre, 26 Station Street on Saturday 13th September, share your memories and discover the history of this area of Lewes over a cup of tea.
Join our cycle ride from Lewes railway station at 10am on Sunday 14th September.

And on Fume Free Friday 19th September at Cliffe precinct, Lewes from 2 to 6pm:

Find out how you can link up with others and share your car journey into work through car share initiatives at http://www.travelchoice.org/
Is your bike serviced and safe? Make use of Dr Bike and Sussex Police who are on hand to service bikes and give advice on keeping your bike safe.
Join in with Firecracker childrens circus - circus workshops for 7-14 yrs from 4 to 6pm.
Sample the treats on offer from the Sussex Downs College organic café.
Find out what you can do to improve air quality from Lewes District Council.
Test your cycling speed and endurance with the Wave Leisure cycle challenge.
Join in with our organised cycle ride across the Downs from Seaford to Lewes, leaving Seaford railway station at 7.30am on Friday 19th September.
Plus many more stalls offering expert advice and information on walking, climate change and air pollution.

For more information on the above cycle rides and on Fume Free Friday and how to get involved, please contact John Nicklin at Lewes District Council on 01273 484365 or email john.nicklin@lewes.gov.uk

For all you need to know about travel choices in East Sussex including how to organise your car share please see the Travel Choice website http://www.travelchoice.org/

The Cycle Lewes map was researched and written by Tim and Anne Locke of Cycle Lewes and produced as part of Lewes District Councils Think Air air quality initiative.

From left to right back row -Cllr David Gray, John Crawford, Chief Executive of Lewes District Council, Cllr Carla Butler, Chair of LDC, Cllr Michael Chartier, Mayor of Lewes, Andy Gammon, map designer, Ian Kedge, Head of Environmental Health, Front row: Tim Bartlett, Principal Environmental Health Officer, Tim and Ann Locke of Cycle Lewes.

Media enquiries: Liz Lacon, Communications Manager liz.lacon@lewes.gov.uk

Notes for editors:
Why fume free Friday?
Emissions from road traffic contribute significant quantities of air pollution and impacts on the quality of life for the residents, businesses and visitors to Lewes. Everybody can make a significant contribution to reducing the amount of air pollution they create and reduce emissions from road traffic.

By acting on a local level we can also have an impact on global pollution issues such as climate change. The transport sector currently accounts for around 24% of UK domestic emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2).  A variety of measures are required to target emission reductions but by changing your travel choices can make a real impact.