Lock up yer 4 x 4s!

So, entry no. 2, and after the initial hard hitting piece of politically motivated, highly emotive, international journalism, here's a story about...well...face paint and uni-cyclists!

Or to be more precise, the recent Hovis London Freewheel, where 14 km of streets in my local borough, Westminster, were closed to traffic for the day, giving 38,000 pedal powered people the right to ponder the pros of protection. Both in terms of health, and the environment.

I believe it's good to explore all sides of the spectrum when producing journalism, to encourage and display your own versatility, as well as keeping up with the world around you on both a local and international level. Plus, after going through an 8 hr day introducing us to the joys of learning shorthand today, I figured something a little more light hearted would be sufficient!

So without further ado, here is 'Lock Up Yer 4 x 4s!' complete with images of those quoted from. This article can also be viewed at: http://www.lifeatuni.com/lifestyle/articles/200709_articles/lifestyle_articles_lock.php

Lock Up Yer 4 x 4’s!

Pedal power ruled the streets of London last weekend as the long awaited Hovis London Freewheel swept into town. Chelsea tractors and 4 x 4’s were forced to remain in the garage for the day, as part of a drive by Transport for London (TfL) to promote cycling in the capital. And the verdict? A successful day was had by all, bare the odd grazed knee, of course!

14 km of roads across the city centre, from London Bridge to Victoria Embankment, and on into St. James Park, were closed off to traffic for seven hours on Sunday, allowing tens of thousands of cyclists the freedom to roam the cities landmarks and icons.

The event was open to all human powered modes of transport, from cyclists and tri-cyclists, to roller-bladers and skateboarders, with even one or two unicyclists showing off their well honed skills. With a week to go before the event took place, all 38,000 available places had been allocated to those fortunate enough to register in time, meaning the event went ahead, as expected, at maximum capacity.

Jugglers, buskers, and various street entertainers were also in attendance, many gathering at the after party in St. James Park, provided they did not require a clapped out 1970’s VW to make it to the show. And of course, what family event would have been complete without the obligatory balloons, sweets, and face paint?

Along with the atmosphere of family fun, there was a serious message behind the event. According to TfL, “The number of cyclists on the capitals streets has increased by a massive 83 per cent over the past seven years,” and, as the statement goes on, “The mayor (Ken Livingstone) still wishes to increase this further.”

This rise, as well as being attributed to the generous endowment of cycle lanes across the city centre, and often criticised public transport systems, has more than a little to do with the clear benefits to commuters health, and an increasing awareness of environmental issues.

Policies introduced by Ken Livingstone over the past few years, such as the Central London congestion charge, were designed to complement a desire among Londoners for a cleaner, greener environment, and have also contributed to the steady rise in numbers turning to pedal power.

The congestion charge, though controversial when originally introduced due to its effect on small businesses in the affected areas, has since been embraced by most Londoners, relieved by the effect on the hectic natural and social environments. Earlier this year, the charge was extended further, to major areas of West London.

Doing their bit to help out for the day, 23 year old American backpacker Tara Noonan, and 27 year old Trinidadian Garth Gilbert, were all for the positive messages being expounded. Ms Noonan said: “It’s been a long day, but a good one. We’ve had loads of families out together. We had all sorts, even a guy peddling a bath tub. I want the guy with the sweets to come by again. Every time we see him we hold up the stop sign!”

Asked if anyone had been hurt during the course of the day, Mr Gilbert, who’s band ‘G. Force Alliance’ were due to play later on in the day, laughed: “Nothing serious. One guy came off, cut his eyebrow a little, nothing to worry about.”

And after the summer that the whole of the UK has experienced, London included, we even had a burst of sunshine to brighten up the September afternoon. A good day to feel the exhaust-free wind in your hair!