Daily Blog
Wednesday, 02 December 2009 09:12
Written by Ned Kelly
The latest weapon in the war on climate change? Pedal power! Good to Shanghai, a new project tackling environmental issues through social change, is launching its first initiative, coolbike, this Saturday. Tying in with the launch of the Copenhagen climate summit, its a huge bike ride aimed at encouraging residents of Shanghai to use bikes as a regular transport option in their daily lives as a way to keep healthy and reduce air pollution. And what's the harm in bringing people together, having some fun and getting to see a bit more of this fair city at the same time? No harm at all, says we!
There are two starting points, one in Puxi at 1pm at the Specialized store on Jianguo Xi Lu by Shaanxi Lu, and one in Pudong at 2pm at the Yanfu Ferry Line on Zhangyang Lu by Binjiang Lu. The Puxi riders will take the ferry to across the Huangpu and meet up with the Pudong riders, where people can choose to take either a longer scenic route or a little easier route straight along the river side taking in the views of the Bund to the Pearl Tower.
At the mid point of the ride at the Pearl Tower everyone will get the chance to sign a large banner. Photos of the cyclists and banner will then be sent to global leaders in Copenhagen to show the commitment of the Shanghai people in ensuring a healthy future for the city with reduced air pollution. There will also be a photo-op for participants to coincide with this global event, before getting back in the saddle and on to Fuxing Park where the ride will finish around 3.30pm.
The event is open to all, will be going ahead whatever the weather and, best of all, as absolutely free. So what are you waiting for - sign up right here.
The Puxi starting location is at the Specialized Store, 221 Jianguo Xi Lu, by Shaanxi Lu at 1pm
The Pudong starting location is by the Yangfu Ferry Line, Zhangyang Lu, by Binjiang Rd at 2pm
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nevertheless, i would like to suggest that other way of encouraging people to bike in this town could start by offering more bike-parking options.
for example, around jing'an subway stop is almost impossible to park a bike without paying a guard (its a small fee i know, but what's the point? and the it's a chaotic mess anyway) or to park it around other large sidewalks (where a concierge or a security guard shout at you, as if they owned the place).
there are many user-friendly bikepark rack designs around.
who could help making such simple donations to public space possible?