Action Briefing Dec 2002 - Jan 2003
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

West Midlands News

Left In Town Without His Bike!

A local group’s campaigner was left “In Town Without His Bike!” at a European car-free day on September 22nd. Spearheaded by Worcestershire County Council and local FOE group, Redditch hosted a successful first “In Town Without My Car!” to promote sustainable mobility and urban community issues.

Alistair Waugh of Redditch FOE said:
“The whole thing was totally ironic! I'd lost my lock so I hid my bike in the usual bushes early that morning and informed helpers it was mine. But when I went back to find it at the close of day an official told me the police had taken it. I thought it was a wind-up!”

“Lost car keys had some organisers rallying round in the morning, but the second a bike’s found they just kept quiet and called the police. To me it shows the overriding significance people place on car use.”

Speaking on Radio West Midlands later that month, Alistair was told by the presenter that he fully backed Birmingham City Council’s decision not to host “In Town Without My Car!”, calling it “daft trendy nonsense.” Alistair has now been reunited with his bike and is grateful for the new D-lock from Birmingham FOE.

Chris Crean