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Jun 2020

Last Updated: 14/06/2020

Environment

60 cyclists join Extinction Rebellion rally in Harrogate

by Tamsin O'Brien

| 14 Jun, 2020

The climate change activists are calling for safer streets for cyclists and walkers and more funding for sustainable transport. "Now is not the time to return to normal"

https://youtu.be/QRci4yGdKxY

Approximately 60 cyclists joined a rally organised by the climate change activist group, Extinction Rebellion, in Harrogate this morning calling for safer streets for walkers and cyclists.

Two community police officers looked on as the group set off from Library Gardens and circled around the centre of Harrogate. The rally spread out and kept in groups of 6 from a household- the mood was friendly and upbeat.

Organiser Vicky Wild said lockdown had seen a big increase in people using and buying bicycles but the worry was as life returns to normal, it won't be safe to use them:

"Now is the time to hold this rally and call for safer streets for cyclists and walkers. Let's not go back to to normal in every way. Today we've been joined by ordinary people - in this group there's a doctor, a teacher, a shopkeeper- families and people of all ages. Everyone feels strongly about it."

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Carl and Jo Summerscales and their 3 children, Eva, Will and Teddy joined the rally. Dad Carl said the roads, and in particular, the school run roads, need to be safer.:

"I think the people in charge are putting their heads in the sand -- they seem to want to stop cycling rather than put cycle paths in, especially as there is now extra money for this. I think for children cycling to school it's just so dangerous."

Mum Jo added:

"Will in particular cycles two miles to school and we've worked really hard to find a safe route at peak time- it's worrying there's so much traffic"

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60 cyclists join Extinction Rebellion rally in Harrogate

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