Modes of transport from penny farthings to space hoppers are being used in schools and workplaces around the city this week to encourage people to think about how they get about.
The events have been organised by Aberdeen City Council as part of European Mobility Week which encourages people to consider alternatives to car transport to improve public health and quality of life. The campaign also gives people the chance to explore the role of city streets, and to experiment with practical solutions to tackle urban challenges, such as air pollution. The City Council has participated in European Mobility Week since 2010.
Other events this year included.
- Sunday, September 17 - In Town Without My Car Day, which saw Union St, Belmont Street and Little Belmont Street closed to traffic, with the resulting space used for a range of free fun activities, and the Middleton Park Big Cycle, in Bridge of Don
- Monday, September 18 – bike roadshow to Manor Park primary School for pupils;
- Tuesday, September 19 – Middleton Park Big Cycle day. The older half of the school took part in a huge organised cycle ride from the school to Scotstown Moor and the roadshow will be there all day for all members of the school;
- Wednesday, September 20 – a mini In Town Without My Car Day at Danestone Primary. The road outside the school will be closed to traffic and pupils will get to take part in a range of activities including the bike roadshow, smoothie bikes, space hopper races, active school games and giant outdoor games. A section of road closed outside the school and the space turned over to activities which promote walking, cycling and other forms of sustainable and active travel.
- These include the chance to try a range of bikes, including disability bikes, penny farthings and recumbents as part of the Getabout Cycle Roadshow, to make their own smoothie drink using a pedal powered smoothie maker.
- Thursday, September 21 – Bike roadshow and Getabout tent to Prime 4. Staff and anyone up there can try the bikes on show and there also be an electric bike.
Aberdeen City Council transportation and regeneration spokesman Councillor Ross Grant said: “It’s so beneficial to get children excited about walking and cycling from a young age as it encourages them to keep doing it all through life, bringing benefits to their health, independence and well-being.
“We’d also encourage adults to try walking and cycling as much as possible too as it brings health benefits for them as well as reduce the amount of traffic in the city.”
European Mobility Week runs from September 16 to September 22.