Showing posts with label Transport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transport. Show all posts

Green Streets West Bridgford launch on 24th April


On Friday 24th April, West Bridgford is invited to leave their cars at home and make a special effort to walk, cycle or use public transport to make the streets safer and quieter for all who want to join in.


Wear something Green and you may get special discounts and incentives from our local pub, shops and even the church.


For more information about all the events and activities organised see: http://www.greenstreetswb.blogspot.com/


If you don't live in West Bridgford, why not join in or set this up in your town. That's what Karina Wells did when she read about the scheme in Cambridge Mass. in the US where Janie Katz-christie set the scheme up 3 years ago.

Solar Generator on a bike trailer


I have been handing out bike trailers here in West Bridgford for people to get to school, work, allotments and the shops without having to take their cars.

Today I came across an other way of transforming it for another purpose, if there is anyone who can think of some good applications, I would love to hear from you.


The owner of this trailer needed a way to run power tools to build the other arrays so he came up with the idea to retrofit this cheapy kid bike trailer with a 80 watt solar module, 150 amp hour battery, charge

Folding Bikes - ideal if you are short of space


For those of you who would like to get into the spirit of Green Streets but live a little out of the way of West Bridgford or a bus stop, a folding bike might be the answer. There are various folding bikes on the market. My bike is very large and when I tried the small folding bike it did not feel right to me. I then found out via my friend that there are large folding bikes available.
He bought the Dahon and is very pleased with it. You can buy them on line via the web store
Price: £195 including postage
or go and see them at their shops in Rutland. The bike has not got mudgards, or a back seat which makes it a little lighter than the bike I found else where on the web.

I found this one that sounds good although 16.6kg is not necessarily feather light.
Avelo Elegance 26" 6 SHIMANO

City Folding Bike with Mudguards and Backseat 16.6kg ONLY by Avelo 1 used & new from £219.99

Product Features:
· 26" wheels with Aluminum rims· 6 speed SHIMANO gearings· Delicate forged hinge
· V brake· Heavy-duty pedals· With Luggage Carrier and Mudguards
· Puncture Resistant rubber Kenda tyres· Net Weight: 16.6kg (surprisingly light for the size)
· Folded size: 88x34x76cm· Time to fold: 5-10sec· Recommended rider height: 150 - 200 cm
· Color: Dark olive

Spring is in the air, and a new idea is germinating on the streets of West Bridgford

Transition West Bridgford is launching the Green Streets Initiative (http://www.greenstreetswb.blogspot.com/). Their aim is to work towards a more sustainable, healthy, safe and strong community, less dependent on oil.

The Green Streets idea is to encourage as many people as possible from all over West Bridgford to join in a Walk/Ride Day on the last Friday of each month. On Green Streets days people throughout the town will be asked to wear something green and to use green means of transportation.

Be seen to be green. It all starts on Friday 24th April.

So how will it work? The idea is simple: On the last Friday of every month with your help we create a Bridgford-wide party. People all over West Bridgford choose to give up their cars for an alternative mode of transportation: walking, biking, riding public transportation, carpooling (horses, unicycles, rollerblades – we’ll leave it to your imagination).This throng of walk/riders stands out from the rest by wearing something green. Their "green status" makes them eligible to visit participating businesses who will be offering fabulous incentives.
See our website or look for the Green Street Logo which will be displayed in windows of participating sponsors in your local shopping street in West Bridgford.

In the coming weeks we shall have regular features about the Green Streets initiative and all that is organised around West Bridgford

“Our vision is to create a monthly party which celebrates alternative transportation, gives people an opportunity to make community connections and promotes a festive local atmosphere, something to lift people’s spirits really” says coordinator, Karina Wells.

So dig out your walking shoes, roller blades, bikes, skateboard or hop on the bus and don’t forget: Be seen to be green!

Nottingham City Transport has some special events in mind for people who will use their buses on Green Fridays, so keep an eye on the website, read their notice boards and join in the Party.Green Streets is looking for individuals in businesses, schools, and local government to help spread the Walk/Ride Day concept.

How to travel by train cheaply


Family & Friends Railcard 25% off code. This gets up to 4 adults & 4 kids 1/3 off adult and 60% off kids' train fares. A special code's available again cutting its price from £24 to £18.
View a video on how to get the Cheap Train Fares

Be seen while you walk or cycle

Know a serious cyclist that uses clipless or cleated pedals ? a cyclist that wants to be seen not hit? or Jogger ?A unique and innovative solar-powered, eco-friendly lighting product worn around the ankle and keeping cyclists safe on the roads or joggers while out in the evenings.

Anklelite doubles as a trouser clip replacement for cyclists and provides 360 degree lighting for those cyclists riding with clipless and all other types of pedals. The Anklelite with adjustable straps fits all sizes and can be worn with or without trousers and fits securely over riding boots. Anklelite provides super-bright 360 degree lighting without the need for batteries. A large unique floodlight module is attached to straps that fit comfortably around the ankle with high visibility reflective strips on both sides as an additional feature. The lights shine brightly from every angle so cyclists, sports people and children wearing Anklelite will be seen clearly by motorists any time day or night. The lights can be turned on and off and set to different modes – flashing, constant or off.

Just put Anklelite into Google to see the hundreds of positive reviews of the product.

Anklelite is already priced in the shops at just £12.49 (UK) / BUT as if bought as an Ecolist Customer, these ankle lights can be purchased for the next 30 days at a 25% discount from the retail prices you will see in shops worldwide ! For information on how to obtain the discount please see below. How to get the special discountsIt's easy! all you have to do is go to the Pedalite shop at www.pedalite.com/shop.aspx, buy the products you want and then put in the promotional code "pedalite" at the time of checkout and your 25% discount will be applied. Its really that simple.

Plug-in Car Test

The Toyota Prius Hybrid car (which runs on petrol and electricity) is a big hit in London. You don’t have to pay the congestion charge there if you drive in to the centre of the capital and this can save you around £2,000 each year!

A test is currently being held using a ‘plug-in’ version of the car. This means that you can plug your Prius into your home power socket (or some street outlets in London) and recharge your battery to give you extended range. At the moment Prius owners just drive and the car recharges itself, but this limits the distance you can travel using the electric motor. It is hoped that a plug in version will extend the electric range to around 6 miles, handy for short city trips.

A video and more details can be found on the BBC website.

Electric Bikes

Could electric bikes be the next ‘big thing’? Starting to be known as ‘e-bikes’ these power assisted cycles offer some serious advantages. Very handy for moving around with heavy loads, or hilly biking, they can reach a top speed of around 15 miles per hour.

Clearly not as eco friendly as a normal bike, the e-bike does consume electricity while its battery is being charged - the same as using a 100w light bulb for a few hours. If, however, an e-bike replaces a short car journey there is less damage to the environment.

There are more details about electric bikes on BBC Green

Pedalite - A Brilliant Idea!

Pedalite International has had an incredibly successful period in the run up to the launch of their new model 360 degree pedal lights.


For those who cycle it is a 'must have' accessory. They are available from most good independent bike shops. You can buy on line or better still, if you cycle to work, inform your employer about Pedalite's corporate scheme.

Your employer can sign up for it, giving the employees a discount on purchase of these very nifty pedals. Have a look at the short video clip below and see the difference in visability as this picture does not do it justice.

You can now receive 10% discount on all orders of pedalite products purchased through http://www.pedalite.com/. Get a discount by simply entering ECOLIST in the promotional code field when buying the product

Be Safe!

Fuel prices are sky high - what can we do about it?


Get a bike! That would be my first answer. Most of us use the car for very short trips, parking is difficult around schools and in the town centre, so why torture yourself and get stressed out. With petrol prices so high, cycle when you can and use the car in a sensible way when you do not have an alternative.
Today on Radio Nottingham, you could have heard an interview with Chris Spencer from Nottingham on how to make your own bio fuel. He hosts free open days on Wednesday and conduct live demos - Bring your own biodiesel - unwashed with glycerine gone and we'll clean it up and show you the results you'll expect from your fuel ... 0115 900 3550 or Freephone 0800 068 4134. I believe he also does classes on how to do it yourself. He is located on Lenton Lane, Easter Business Park.

The other way would be to get more mileage out of the fuel you have put in by:

Buying a Motoflow from Magnetic Health. They will be at the Summer Gathering in Bridgford Park on Saturday so if you would like to start saving on fuel right away come along and buy one onthe day. If you can't make it however, you could order on line: http://www.magnetic-health.eu/ or phone Marilyn on: 0115 9813122

Martin Lewis pointed out that a new guide has come out to cut fuel cost by 33%. He honed in on a new four-step system.

1. Simple declutter tricks improve your car’s efficiency by up to 10%.
2. Remember "the harder I press the pedal the more I spend" and you can cut fuel use by 20% without significant journey time increases.
3. By using the web to find the cheapest forecourt you can save a further 5%.
4. Pay the right way to make yet another 5% on your fuel.

All details in this fully re-written and re-researched New Guide: Cheapest Petrol & Diesel

A more extreme but good alternative, is to get rid of your (second) car and open an account with your local car hire company. Last year I did some calculations that having a car standing on your drive way on average would cost you £700. This would be for MOT, Tax, Insurance, Service, washing and valleting. I hired a small car from friday 4pm to monday 10am for £45. It was clean, insurance paid, dropped off at my door and I was dropped off at the end of the trip. It was painless and good service. In my case I used Enterprise rent a car, you might like to have a look at your local car hire place, just to find out about special deals, setting up an account etc.

I have found that now I have got rid of my car and promising myself to hire a car when needed, I have used this service only once as alternatives were found most of the time, cutting the use of the car hugely in the process, clearing the road from one car parking space and no worries about vandals ripping up the mirrors or scratching it with keys!

An Eco Team will give you a chance to DO something!


Are you concerned about climate change and environmental issues? If you are, and you’d like to know what else you can do…

Make a real difference! Become an ECOTEAM PARTICIPANT

What’s it all about?

An EcoTeam is a group of 6-8 local people who meet to discover simple, effective changes for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle and is a great way to meet new people in your local area.

Previous members have;
  • Cut household bills
  • Improved the environment
  • Received our newsletter
  • Lead a healthier lifestyle
  • Visited eco houses
  • Made new friends

No-one can do everything - but we can all do something!

Everyone is welcome - It doesn't matter if you’re already very green or not! EcoTeams are easy, supportive and free to residents in Broxtowe, Rushcliffe, Gedling and Nottingham City!

EcoTeam meetings are held locally (usually within walking distance of participant’s homes) and are informal and very friendly on dates convenient to the participants. It takes just five monthly meetings to take the EcoTeam from start to finish. We look at shopping ethically, saving resources, saving energy and traveling wisely and even have a celebration meeting! Every participant receives our information folder which is filled with useful tips, web-links and information. And, if you’d like to be more than a participant, why not receive our one day training to become an EcoTeam Facilitator?

With simple monitoring, you’ll also generate your own ‘before’ and ‘after’ results showing the effect of your more sustainable lifestyle.

For more information on joining an EcoTeam, contact Global Action Plan on: (0115) 9223298 or nottingham@globalactionplan.org.uk

Recycled Jet Plane

This is recycling on a massive scale and answers the question “What do you do with old 747s?”

An entrepreneur in Korea has recycled a Boeing 747 jet liner into a restaurant!! Located in Mokpo City, It holds 150 tables and provides an unusual eating experience. The daily specials menu is located on the front of one of the wing jet engines so that you can work out what you might order while making your way up the stairs.

From the photos this doesn’t look like one of the most classy renovations (it could do with a lick of paint), but it is certainly an interesting use for these massive redundant structures.

[Via Newlaunches.com ]

Public Transport in Montreal

Last year we featured the launch of a public bike system in Paris which enabled visitors to loan a bike, ride round the city and they ‘give it back’. Now, a similar system has been launched in Montreal Canada.

Their Public Bike System is made up of a number of ‘Docks’ around the city which each house 6 aluminium bikes. Innovations include a centralised web based inventory so that people can locate the nearest available bike online, solar powered docking stations and electronically tagged bikes.

Payment can be made using credit, debit or special ‘member’ cards and, like other similar systems, you use your bike and then drop it off at any docking station with a free slot. More details at: www.publicbikesystem.com

Eco Cars in Eden

Today, and until 31st May the “Sexy Green Car Show” (really - that’’s what it’s called!) is taking place at the Eden Project in the UK.

One of the perceived problems with eco cars is that people think they are boring, badly designed and not at all ‘sexy’. This is the second year of the show to prove them wrong. There are a heap of very sexy looking machines to have a look at from all of the main manufacturers. As the price of a barrel of oil goes through the roof (again) this week, there are even more reasons to consider something a little more ‘eco’.

Sponsored by Co-operative Insurance, the show is a practical way to see what is on offer from the likes of Saab, Volkswagen, Citroen, Peugeot, Seat, Honda, Fiat, Smart, Toyota and Segway.

The most eco-friendly version of Ford's best-selling Focus – the ECOnetic - is to have its UK launch at the show. Lotus is bringing its Exige 270E Tri-Fuel for its UK debut. British company Axon Automotive will be showcasing their yet-to-be-named eco-friendly hatchback and classic British manufacturer Morgan’s futuristic LIFECar will also make its UK debut at the show.

There are more details here: www.edenproject.com

And a BBC video here: news.bbc.co.uk

DHL Hybrid Trial and go Biodegradable

Delivery company DHL is also on the trail of eco vehicles with the announcement, earlier this year, that they would trial two Daimler hybrid vehicles in the UK. They will also try two Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid vehicles as part of the company's wider commitment to reducing its impact on the environment.

Bet their PR organisation is in a bit of a ‘flap’ hearing that their rival UPS (see below) has ordered 200 hybrids (not just trying them out for evaluation).

That said it seems that DHL is trying hard by replacing all their delivery bags with recyclable and reusable ones which only take two years to biodegrade. The normal ones take 1,000 years to degrade.

[Via DHL and Hippyshopper ]

Image courtesy of Deutsche Post AG

UPS Goes Hybrid

If your business depends on delivery vehicles it is difficult to reduce your carbon footprint without some serious investment in alternative energy.

Courier company UPS have done just that by placing an order for 200 hybrid electric vehicles which is believed to be the largest commercial order for hybrids. They also ordered 300 compressed natural gas (CNG ) vehicles for their fleet.

Apparently UPS have been using some form of alternative fuel vehicles in their fleet for more than 70 years and utilise electric, hybrid electric, CNG, liquefied natural gas and propane-powered vehicles.

Their new hybrids will go on the road in 2009 and are expected to save 176,000 gallons of fuel annually. In the UK petrol is around five pounds a gallon now so that’s a saving of £880,000.00. Not only does it make their business more economical but they will reduce their C02 emissions so much that it can be compared to removing 100 conventional flue vehicles from the roads.

[Via Ecofriend ]

No Smoking Day -Quit the smoke, and fire up your finances


No Smoking Day is today 12 March. Use this day as an incentive, it will be better for the environment as well as helping your health. Quitting smoking boosts your wealth too. It's not just saving on buying smokes, but many policies, including Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance and others, are substantially cheaper (i.e., up to 30%) for non-smokers. You're classed as a ‘non-smoker‘ after a year without smoking, so once you hit that date, always get new quotes and save a fortune.
To help you stop smoking have a look at the following website and video http://gosmokefree.nhs.uk/?WT.mc_id=ilevel_search_08

Don't burn your money, it can then be used to put into place some more environmentally sound ideas.

You can most likely do all this in the next year if you stop smoking today. You might even have more money left over. Give it a try, look after your good self and the environment in which you live and work.

Zero Emission LifeCar

Launching at the Geneva Motor Show this month, the LifeCar is a zero emission sports car which runs on hydrogen-powered fuel cells and can cover 250 miles on a single tank of hydrogen.

The only emission is water and it is said to be very quiet as it goes from 0 - 60 miles per hour in 7 seconds.

The car has been in development for over 3 years and is the result of research (partly funded by the UK government), by a consortium of UK companies and universities.

Perhaps this is the car to persuade all the 'sport's types' that you can still drive a head turning car and cut the emissions at the same time.

[Via BBC News]

West Bridgford – Back to the future



I recently read an article’ Small is Inevitable after oil runs out.’ It is about the Transition Town, Totnes. This historic market town of 4,000 people is used as a model to try and live in a more sustainable way, relying less on oil and energising the local economy.



Here in West Bridgford for many years individual groups have advocated the virtues of sustainable living.

1. Eco Teams: A programme where a group of people in a street will come together once a month and discuss and act upon issues relating to Waste reduction, Water preservation, Energy reduction and Transport alternatives. tina.holt@globalactionplan.org.uk

2. Shared Garden Project: A group of people working 2 hours per week in local allotments, where they grow a large proportion of their weekly organic fruit, vegetables and eggs. Andy@sharedgarden.co.uk

3. Notts Nosh is our local food producers directory to obtain it go to: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/nottsnosh.pdf

4. Chippers: A local database where people trade their skills and services for a ‘Chip’ per hour. Karina.wells@ntlworld.com

5. LETS: Local economic trading scheme, this is a BARTERING system where goods and services are paid for in Acorns. lets@veggies.org.uk

6. Pedals and Ridewise: A group who will help you get on your bike and give you FREE cycling lessons so that you can ride safe and with confidence. Hugh.McClintock@ntlworld.com


Apart from making our town a more sustainable, all these groups contribute to a closer knit and safer community for you, your family and friends.
If you would like to be part of this, please contact the groups direct and Enjoy!

Eco Moped


If you don’t want to go as far as one of the ‘eco’ hybrid electric/petrol cars from Toyota or Honda, and just want to ‘zip’ around town, this might just be for you.

The Eco Moped is electric – you plug it in to recharge it – and it offers zero carbon emissions when you are riding. It can be delivered to your door, nationwide (in the UK), and you will soon be able to walk into a showroom in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Oxford, Leeds and Cambridge. It can travel for 30 miles on one charge, takes about 3-6 hours to recharge and can make a top speed of 37 mph.

More details from Ecomoped.com

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