Chantelle Anderson from Manchester who took part in the bicycle ride, said “I want to show solidarity with the people protesting against the G8 in Russia and all over the world. Bicycles represent true energy security in a time of global warming and dwindling oil supplies rather than the dangerous so-called solutions they have been talking about, like nuclear power.”

The cycling protest in Manchester was a celebration of the bicycle as a mode of transport that doesn’t pollute or cause climate change. Cyclists took to the road cheering, blowing whistles and playing musical instruments as they rode. Onlookers stood at the roadside to watch, wave and cheer as they passed by.

When asked about what her message is to the G8 Chantelle stated, “We want to tell the G8, and our city, that Climate Change is a real problem, bicycles are a real solution.”

Car culture is killing us with road accidents, obesity and ill health and also through its massive contribution to climate change. “The 73% increase in road traffic between 1980 and 2002 has resulted in a 39% increase in greenhouse gas emissions from transport, which now accounts for 26% of UK emissions. Two-thirds of people now understand that transport emissions are a major factor contributing to climate change" (Department for Transport, Transport Trends, 2002)

This Manchester cycle protest was organised by the Manchester Camp for Climate Action group who are helping organise protests against Drax power station in Megawatt valley on Sat 26th August.

There is a bike ride in Manchester every last Friday of the month to celebrate the bicycle over car culture. Everyone on human powered transport is very welcome. Every last friday of the month 6pm Central Library, Manchester city centre