Local MP to Join "Critical Commute"

5.23.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 21st Oct 2008

Local Liberal Democrat MP John Leech is encouraging Manchester's commuters to leave their cars at home and take to their bikes by participating in this month's "Critical Commute".

The event, which takes place on the last Friday of every month, encourages bike use by gathering commuters together at various points across Manchester to cycle into the city centre, with a view to raising awareness of cycling and encouraging its uptake as a viable form of transport. This month's Commute is a particularly important one given that it comes just weeks after reports that exposed Manchester's most dangerous cycle routes and highlighted the need for better provisions for cyclists.

Manchester Withington MP John Leech, who will be joining the commute from Withington Library, said:

"This is an excellent way to encourage people to free up Manchester's congested roads whilst also having fun and staying fit.

Cycling into the city centre can be daunting if you haven't done it before, but as part of a larger group and with a real sense of community about it, this organised ride shows that everyone can make that critical change.

This is exactly the kind of scheme necessary to push forward the Lib Dem message that sustainable transport is the way of the future."

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Notes to editors:

1) The "Critical Commute" is organised by the Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign and Manchester Friends of the Earth and occurs on the last Friday of each month. Further information can be found at http://www.gmcc.org.uk/criticalcommute/

2) Starting points for the event include Salford Quays, Stretford Arndale, Chorlton Library, Withington Library, Levenshulme Station and Prestwich - Bury New Road and most commutes start around 8am.