Cycle to prevent climate change, diabetes and depression - this Friday 24 November

blinddog

Cycling is a great way to help prevent climate change, diabetes and depression:

* The State Plan commits New South Wales to decreasing greenhouse gas
emissions by 60% by 2050 - and transport is the fastest growing
source of greenhouse gas emissions.

* Over 280,000 young Australians (aged 5-19 years) are obese and this
number is growing rapidly. The total financial cost of obesity in
2005 was estimated as $3.8 billion. People with obesity have
increased overall risk of death, as well as higher relative risk of:
type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, various cancers -
colorectal, breast, uterine and kidney; and other physical and mental
health conditions.

* In 2001 only about 57%of the adult Australian population undertook
sufficient physical activity to maintain their health, and the
proportion of inactive Australians is increasing. Studies
consistently show that participation in physical activity reduces
symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.

Cycling is a cheap, healthy and most importantly fun form of
transport and recreation.

Support a greater government commitment to cycling and sustainable transport.

Join us for the Critical Mass ride over the Sydney Harbour Bridge:

5:30pm Friday 24 November

[where] Hyde Park Fountain (north end)
[transport] In your own, human powered, individual way, or with help
from the train to St James station.
[contact] Critical Mass info-line 9990 2911
[email="webmaster@bikesarefun.o...bikesarefun.org
[web address] http://www.bikearefun.org

----\\ [the full rave] //----

Experience the magic that is Critical Mass - and encourage the State
Government (and opposition) to do more to support cycling - and
walking and public transport.

The State Plan and Urban Transport Strategy have made no new
commitments to creating supportive environments for walking and
cycling. The proposed improvements to public transport are inadequate
for the social, environmental and economic problems faced by NSW.

With only 4 months to the NSW election, this is your chance to
encourage all the parties to commit to funding good cycling
infrastructure (eg. cycleways, cyclelanes, cycle parking) and social
programs (eg. bike to work, bike to TAFE programs, family bike days).

The ride is suitable for anyone with a bike, scooter or skateboard.
It's a friendly, easy ride along an unmatchable scenic route. There
will be food and music afterwards at the North Sydney Noodle Markets.
Please bring your own non-disposable cutlery and crockery if you plan
to eat at the markets.