Super Saturdays boost greener transport

11.49.43am GMT Wed 3rd Sep 2008

• A FAMILY festival promoting greener transport is being taken right to the heart of the community by this month.

Called the 'Give your car the day off festival' (previously called In Town Without Your Car), they'll generate a party atmosphere but have a serious, underlying theme - to promote alternatives to car use such as walking, cycling and public transport. To be held on successive Saturdays, September 13 and 20, they are part of the Council's continued commitment to a more sustainable, greener future and the promotion of a healthier lifestyle for people of all ages.

Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, Cllr David Trigg, said: "The events, which have been so successful in the last two years, aim to raise awareness of the great benefits of sustainable transport. Encouraging people to use alternatives to the car will not only be better for the environment but also improve safety. In the case of walking and cycling it can also significantly improve health and fitness. I hope as many visitors as possible come along and find out more about greener forms of travel and have terrific fun in the process."

The first event, on September 13, will be held on Richmond Green, and the second, on September 20, on Barnes Green. Both will run from 10am to 4pm and admission is free. They aim to build on the success of similar events last year - and be even bigger and better. They will feature street entertainment, free activities, competitions, music and giveaways. There will also be a variety of children's attractions such as a bouncy castle, face painting, Smoothie Bikes and a BMX stunt display team and a range of stalls offering information and advice about local organisations and services. The events are being funded by DIY Planet Repair, a London-wide campaign backed by Transport for London to promote travel awareness in the capital. For more information about these events please contact Ellie Ridgeway on 0208 487 5159 or email e.ridgeway@richmond.gov.uk Also go to www.richmond.gov.uk/in_town_without_my_car