Car Free Day in Birmingham: join a bike train to work

Mandy Staunton

21 September 2011

I wanted to become more involved in helping to save our beautiful planet. Like many people I try to do my bit to help in any way I can -  making sure I recycle as well as cutting down on the amount of electricity I use. So I decided to volunteer with my local Friends of the Earth group in Birmingham.

I've discovered that the group, with PushBikes and Sustrans, will be holding 5 bike train events around Birmingham: in Cotteridge, Fox Hollies, Kings Heath, Sutton Coldfield and Quinton from 22 September 2011.

A group of people will be cycling into the city centre (Victoria Square) to get to work. As a bonus there will be a breakfast at the end.

I've never done anything like this before but I'm looking forward to it. It sounds a great, safe, and a fun way to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions - and getting fit, meeting new people and discovering Birmingham from a different perspective. I'd recommend everyone give it a go.

Three top tips if you're thinking of joining a ride:

• Check your bikes tyres, seat level and brakes.
• Wear something reflective, plus helmet and water proofs.
• Take water with you.

And a fourth: have fun.

For a map of the routes, and to register, click here. Contact your local Friends of the Earth group to see if there's a bike train in your area.

And if you get a taste for it why not consider Friends of the Earth's fundraising bike challenge?

Mandy Staunton, Volunteer - Birmingham Friends of the Earth