Ecotopia Biketour Is Coming To Town
A group of 50 cyclists from all over Europe will arrive in (name
of the town) on (date). The cyclists started their travel in
Vienna and are on their way to Gorinchem in the Netherlands, where
the annual ecological festival like "Ecotopia Gathering" is taking
place.
Apart from reaching Ecotopia in an environmentally friendly way,
the aim of the Biketour is to show the world that cycling is more
than just recreation. It is also a means of transport, even for
long distances. The participants want to point out the many
disadvantages of the endless growth of car-based traffic and at
the same time show the most sustainable alternative. The group
does not need any support vehicles, because tents, cooking pots
and everything else they need is taken on the bikes and in
trailers.
In Austria, Czech Republic, Germany and The Netherlands the
Biketour is making contact with local groups that are working on
traffic and environmental issues in their area. They welcome the
bikers and often offer them a place to sleep. In cooperation with
the local group, activities are being organised, like discussions,
workshops and actions, focused on the promotion of sustainable
transport and a sustainable way of living. Participants who are
active in environmental organisations all over Europe and local
activists get the possibility to exchange knowledge and
experiences.
The biketour is also passing through several cities, where actions
are being organised. Some highlights of the tour are the symbolic
destruction of a car in Vienna, a bodypainted bikeride in Prague
and visiting the Towards Carfree Cities conference in Berlin.
The idea of the biketour was born in 1989. Visitors to Ecotopia
wanted to reach this special place in a special
environmentally-friendly way. Now the biketour has grown into an
event in itself, organised by volunteers every year. The
organisation during the tour is in the hands of all participants,
who make decisions and divide tasks together. Everybody who is
interested in participating, whether it is for several days or for
six weeks, can join.
Last updated 31 May 2004
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