[Carfreeliving] World CarFree News

[Dave Snyder]

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WORLD CARFREE NEWS >>>
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Edition no. 24 - September 2005 - English version
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Contents:

QUOTATION OF THE MONTH

IN BRIEF

WORLD NEWS
- LONDON SCRAPS BUS FARES FOR YOUTH UNDER 16
- RPROTEST WORKS IN BRAZIL
- OIL PRICES GO ABOVE US$70/BARREL

NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS
- STOP THE CRIMINALISATION OF CRITICAL MASS IN NEW YORK

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
- WORLD CARFREE DAY IS COMING UP

DISCLAIMER



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QUOTATION OF THE MONTH >>
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(From our history files)
"That van was parked in a place that logic told me it wouldn't be."
    - Romark the hypnotist, after finishing his attempt (in Ilford, 
England, 1977) at the record in blindfolded driving by "finding" a 
parked police van.


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IN BRIEF >>
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- 49 cyclists were arrested at the latest New York City Critical Mass 
on August 26. People were arrested for "parading without a permit" 
and the police even arrested bicyclists who were obeying all traffic 
laws.

- In Great Britain, the Sustrans Network is celebrating the fact that 
10,000 miles of the National Cycle Network were completed in 10 years 
by organising a series of rides. <http://www.sustrans.org.uk>

- A group of automobile manufacturers, energy producers, academics 
and government regulators gathered at the University of California in 
Berkeley the 30 of August to discuss a possible alternative to 
gasoline. They settled on hydrogen as the new "oil" of the future.

- Good news from the USA. As oil prices are on the rise, car-pooling 
(sharing rides with other commuters) experienced a increased 
interest. Which proves once more that there are two sides to 
everything.


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WORLD NEWS >>
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PROTEST WORKS IN BRAZIL
Source: Planka.nu

After two weeks of protest, the Passe Livre movement succeded in 
stopping an increase in the price of bus fares in Florianopolis, 
Brazil. On June 21, Mayor Dario Berger declared that the city is 
switching back to the old prices. The prices had been raised 8.8% on 
May 30.
    For twenty days, thousands of people blocked the streets of 
central Florianopolis in protest. This is the second time in one year 
that people's protests stopped an increase in the bus fares. Now the 
movement is fighting for the municipality to take over the public 
transport and make it free for everyone.


OIL PRICES GO ABOVE 70 DOLLARS A BARREL

The price of crude oil went above US$70 per barrel for the first time 
ever and stayed there for three days. Then, after the US government 
opened up its oil reserves, it fell again to around US$68. The prices 
went up because of extensive damage caused by hurricane Katrina to US 
oil production in the Gulf of Mexico. We here at World Carfree 
Network suggest to the people and government of the United States of 
America to take a look at their transportation policies and connect 
the dots.


LONDON SCRAPS BUS FARES FOR YOUTH UNDER 16
Source: The Guardian

Children aged under 16 are to be given free travel on London's buses 
in a groundbreaking GBP70 million scheme.
    Ken Livingstone, the capital's mayor, yesterday announced that 
free bus travel - currently available for children under 11 - will be 
extended from September 1. This will be the first scheme of its kind 
in the world.
    The initiative will cost Transport for London GBP50 million a year 
in lost fares and up to GBP20 million to pay for the extra buses. It 
is seen as a way of encouraging the young to use public transport and 
helping those on low incomes. The scheme is expected to add 50 
million journeys a year to the present 250 million.
    Those claiming free travel will need an electronic "Oyster" 
smartcard. The mayor said that anyone misbehaving or abusing the 
system would lose their benefits. Mr Livingstone said technology will 
allow easier identification of those who engage in bad behaviour. 
London's bus police force is being expanded, too. The scheme will be 
extended further next year anyone under 18 who is a full-time student.


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WORLD CARFREE NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS >>
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WCN LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO STOP THE CRIMINALISATION OF CRITICAL MASS IN NEW YORK

A year ago on Aug. 27, the New York City police mounted a major 
offensive, but not against drug dealers, terrorists or criminals. 
They went after people on bicycles, cracking down on a Critical Mass 
group bicycle ride. Since then, more than 500 cyclists have been 
arrested and many more have had their bicycles stolen by police. Last 
month, almost 50 cyclist were arrested.
    You can help by sending letters to the New York mayor and police 
commissioner demanding an end to the arrests, by organizing 
screenings of the documentary film Still We Ride and by passing out 
letters at your local bike rides and other events.
    World Carfree Network calls on the police and public uthorities to 
recognize bicycling as a legitimate form of ransportation and to halt 
their punitive tactics towards what is a legitimate form of public 
expression. Rather than punishing bike riders, New York City should 
join the world in recognizing that cycling contributes to a 
sustainable quality of life for all. It is time that New York take 
its place among world-class cities by promoting sustainable 
transport, safe bicycle lanes and more pedestrian areas.
    To send your letter and to learn more, visit <www.worldcarfree.net/nyc>.


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ANNOUNCEMENTS >>
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WORLD CARFREE DAY IS COMING UP

Each year on September 22, people from around the world gather to 
celebrate World Carfree Day and to show alternatives to the 
automobile. The "official" carfree day is September 22, but many 
cities hold activites all week or on another more convenient day 
(such as on the weekend). With the ever-expanding EU-sponsored 
European Mobility Week (which isn't just European anymore, with 1,544 
cities in 40 countries participating this year), the idea of 
dedicating at least one day a year to promoting alternatives to car 
use seem to be catching on.
    To find out which cities are holding events, visit 
<www.worldcarfree.net/wcfd>, where you can also find posters, e-cards 
and other resources.


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DISCLAIMER >>
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World Carfree Network does not claim to have invented the idea of 
"carfree" cities. We are merely one more force in a long history of 
the struggle against the supremacy of the automobile. Our philosophy 
has a long history, as you can see for youself at 
<www.bopsecrets.org/CF/goodman-cars.htm>.

[end]

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