Press Release - 18 May 2007

A family fun cycle ride to raise awareness of the threat posed by airport expansion plans is being organized for the morning of Sunday 3 June.

The route, along the old railway line which used to run from Bishop’s Stortford to Dunmow and then onto Braintree, is ideal for families with children looking for a safe and enjoyable morning’s cycling away from the hazards of road traffic.

Starting from the Old Station at Takeley’s Four Ashes between 10am-11am, the nine mile circular ride along the hardened surface of the former Flitch Way railway line runs through beautiful countryside with views over open farmland and through lovely wooded areas rich in wildlife. The route also forms part of the northern boundary of National Trust-owned Hatfield Forest which is so threatened by the air quality, noise and climate change impacts that would result from BAA’s proposals.

Returning cyclists are invited to join a lunchtime BBQ at the Old Station.

The Family Fun Cycle Ride event is part of a larger programme of cycle rides being organized for the day by Hertfordshire Wheelers club rider and Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) supporter, William Chastell, following the success of a similar event last year. The septuagenarian cyclist is concerned at the impacts which airport expansion would have on local amenity, air quality and climate change.

Entrance to the family fun cycle ride is free although participants are invited to make a voluntary donation to SSE’s Appeal Fund designed to cover the costs of legal representation and expert witnesses at the Public Inquiry into BAA’s expansion plans which starts on 30 May. Parking for those arriving by car is at the adjacent sports field.

Further information is available from SSE on 01279 870558 or info@stopstanstedexpansion.com. See also Coming Events.

ENDS