Press Release: 15th April 2011

Would you give up your car for an electric bike?

Residents of Medstead and Four Marks have been invited to take part in a trial of electric bikes as part of a national campaign, and with the help of volunteers from the local group of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). Transport campaigner, Ralph Smyth of CPRE will attend a launch event on May 14th to be held at Mansfield Park Surgery, Lymington Bottom Road, Medstead from 11am to 1pm. There will be a full demonstration of the bikes on the day.

The local pilot project is putting words into action, based on guidance in a national Transport Toolkit due to be unveiled by the CPRE's national team in London in July. Its aim is to increase cycling and also to trial some electric bikes. People will be able to take part by borrowing one of several electric bikes available during the summer months. The 'e-bikes' look and feel like a normal bike but there is a battery to give you power assistance, when you start heading up hills, which will be inevitable when people return to Medstead and Four Marks as they are the highest settlements in Hampshire!

Also on offer at the launch event will be some pedal bikes and informal training, for those who have not been on a bike for a while.

CPRE's work with local communities to develop new options for transport in rural areas has been highlighted in the Government's new Local Transport White Paper.

Leader of Campaign to Protect Rural England local group, Camilla Swiderska said:

"We are working towards a more sustainable future for the English countryside. Increasing traffic on country roads leads to more pollution, congestion and adversely affects the tranquillity of the countryside. We must therefore support all forms of alternative transport as much as we can, including bus, rail, walking and cycling."

For further information, contact Camilla on 01730 827865 or email her on camilla@swiderska.ndo.co.uk.

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CPRE/H/210b

Notes to editors

Camilla Swiderska is leader, South Downs and Central Group, CPRE Hampshire. The new group was formed following the creation of the South Downs National Park and new arrangements for planning authorities. It replaces the former 'East Hants District Group' of CPRE Hampshire.
CPRE Hampshire strives to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of the countryside of Hampshire by the sustainable use of land and other resources in town and country, and encouraging the biodiversity and well-being of rural communities.

For all media enquiries, please contact:
Keren Burney, media & communications officer, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01730 894123 Mobile: 07876 780065
Email: kburney@compege.co.uk

For information on CPRE, please contact:
Anthony McEwen, Director, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01962 779185 Mobile: 07717 296025
Email:anthony.mcewen@cprehampshire.org.uk