Third Battle of Newbury

P.O. BOX 5520, Newbury, Berks. RG14 7YW.

Tel: 01635 45544 Fax: 01635 45545 24 hr info: 01635 550552

E-mail: info@battle3.demon.co.uk URL: http://www.gn.apc.org/newbury

Immediate Release 25th September 1996

PRESS RELEASE

Protestors join Critical Mass cycle ride

This Saturday, 28th September, at 10.30 a.m. cyclists will gather at the Robin Hood Pub, Newbury for the start of a critical mass cycle ride. Campaigners and protestors against in the Newbury Bypass will be in attendance.

Critical mass started in the early 1980's in the western USA, now in London there are weekly critical mass rides often attracting between 500 - 1000 people. Other towns and cities including Reading, Oxford, Brighton, Manchester and Birmingham have hosted Critical Mass rides. Participants have many motives for joining a Critical Mass. A celebration of cycling; a protest about car domination, traffic jams, vehicle pollution, inadequate provision for cycling, etc. are all reasons for joining a critical mass.

Critical mass rides by definition are without leadership. The route taken is largely a co-incidence and this makes them difficult for the authorities to control. Traffic jams are not inevitable with critical mass rides but often a consequence.

Liz Snooks of the Third Battle said

"Critical Mass is about creating a safe and tranquil place for cycling. Empowering cyclists who are usually threatened and intimidated by vehicles. We're going to celebrate the freedom of being car-less"

ENDS

Editors Notes

Further Information: Third Battle of Newbury Office 01635 45544