Melbourne: Push Bikes Not Uraniumby Beck Pearse ()MEDIA RELEASE: Push Bikes Not Uranium What's dirty, dangerous and retro in a bad way? Nuclear power, according to a group of intrepid cyclists. 3pm Sunday the 14th October Cycle Against the Nuclear Cycle (CANC3) will arrive in Melbourne. The group is on a 4,500km journey from Rockhampton, Qld to Adelaide this year to raise awareness about the nuclear industry in Australia. On the 14th they will be excorted by a convoy of Melbourne locals into Carlton Gardens for a bike Love-In. "We're calling it 'Push Bikes Not Uranium'' says campaign spokesperson Rebecca Pearse. "Uranium fuels nuclear weapons, radioactive waste and if used for nuclear power, it will not provide the deep emissions cuts needed to avoid climate chaos. Why would we want to dig this dirty fuel up when we have sustainable energy and transport technologies here ready to go now?" The group has been liaising with local government and campaign groups throughout their ride."Residents have sent us a clear message, if this federal government tries to force nuclear power, more uranium mines and waste dumps on them, then this election year it will be 'on yer bike' for Mr Howard " Pearse said. Cycle Against the Nuclear Cycle part of a 32 year history of anti-nuclear bike rides. The first Ride Against Uranium launched from Melbourne and Sydney in 1975 with more ensuing into the 1980s. "Anti-nuclear bike rides are good retro. Nuclear power on the other hand is an outdated relic from the cold war. Nuclear power wasn't safe back in the 50s and 70s, and is just as dangerous today." says Pearse. On the 14th the cyclists are going to celebrate the strength of Australia's anti-nuclear movement and poke fun at the outdated ideas fueling the nuclear industry in Australia. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed bike. The cyclists encourage everyone to pedal to the event in support of a nuclear free Australia. The ride into Carlton starts from, Frankston with an escort from Frankston Mayor Glenn Aitken at 10am. |