VILLIERS HELPS LAUNCH GREENACRE BARNET BICYCLE RALLY

MP for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers, joined cyclists from across the borough on Sunday in starting off the Greenacre bicycle rally. The rally was organised by local environmentalists to highlight the benefits of cycling in the suburbs. Theresa joined the rally for the first two laps of the three lap course starting at the Arts Depot at Tally Ho Corner, going along Woodhouse Road and up Friern Barnet Lane. The event was formally opened by the Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Brian Coleman AM, accompanied by the Mayoress, Mrs Gladys Coleman.

After the rally, Theresa said: “This was an excellent initiative which had the support of a range of local groups such as Barnet Cyclists, Friends of the Earth, the Campaign for Better Transport and Agenda 21. I pay tribute to the hard work the Greenacre Bicycle Rally Committee put in to get this event off the ground. I very much enjoyed joining the cyclists for the first part of the rally.”

“Cycling can deliver major benefits in tackling road congestion, reducing carbon emissions from transport and encouraging the active lifestyles which are so important in improving public health and tackling obesity. Local events like this to encourage both adults and children to try out cycling can play a valuable role in our efforts to make lower carbon transport options a viable and attractive alternative to some of the millions of car journeys we make in this country every day.”

“I would encourage as many of my constituents as possible to consider cycling, not just because of these important benefits but also because it can be great fun.”

The Greenacre Bicycle Rally was run in partnership with the Larches Trust who are a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities. The Larches Trust is one of the Mayor’s designated charities this year.