FMD won’t stop ‘National Bike Week’ in June

Hill said: "I welcome the positive stance taken by cycling organisations

to proceed with the Festival of Cycling.

“The Government’s first priority is to eradicate the foot and mouth disease as

soon as possible. Its effects are very serious for both farmers and the wider

rural community and we are working urgently to develop and implement

measures to alleviate these impacts.

“However, people wrongly believe that the whole countryside is out of bounds.

There are large parts of the country which are not affected. The best way to

help rural businesses, especially those which rely on tourism, is by encouraging

their customers to return as quickly as possible to the many places where it is

safe to do so.

“The majority of the country’s visitor attractions are open, and many sporting

and other events are taking place. It is important that we all play our part in

supporting them. Provided people abide by the rules currently in place for

visiting the countryside, I am certain that the contribution cyclists can make

to the rural economy will be welcomed in many areas.

“We fully support cycling across the country. Leisure and recreational cycling

underpins all other cycling activity, and is therefore crucial to any sustainable

transport system. I recognise that there are many cycling businesses, such as

cycle hire centres and rural bike shops, which are amongst the businesses

currently suffering. Any measures that can be taken to aid their survival

through this difficult period are welcome. I am therefore happy that this

important cycling promotion is going ahead."

The Festival of Cycling 2001 is being organised on behalf of ten groups: ACT, BA, CoBR, British Cycling Federation, British Schools Cycling Association, CTC, Cycle

Campaign Network, Cycling Time Trials, National TravelWise Association, and

Sustrans.

The Festival takes place 16th-24th June, with up to 1,200 events expected to

take place across the UK. Details will be promoted on the Festival of Cycling website at www.cyclingfestival.org.uk