Getting About

There's a lot of it going on! National organisation Liftshare reckons that the equivalent of 145 trips to the moon and back have been undertaken by car-sharers over the past year. Public and private groups, schools, hospitals, companies and charities have all set up shared travel arrangements. Just register and get on board. To get going hop onto www.liftshare.com now.

Berkshire-based National CarShare's Interactive Car Share Information Line matches individual journeys on a day-to-day basis rather than matching work patterns. It also enables people who need their car for work to give lifts to other members even though they cannot get a lift in return. Passengers are required to pay the driver a petrol contribution of £1 plus 10p a mile for the lift.

Individuals wishing to join must complete a Membership Application form available from our web site, or via email. For security reasons you will be asked to provide two passport size photos, proof of address and a reference letter. Once registered, members can access the Information Line from any touch tone telephone. This is not an internet based service.

There are currently over 500 registered members in the SL and RG postcode areas. The more people who join the more effective the service becomes so join up today.

Large organisations can save themselves a lot of time and money by employing National CarShare to help promote car-sharing and to administer their internal car share schemes. Details available on request.

National CarShare, Tel 01344 861600 or 01344 648250, Fax 0870 1306773
Email enquiries@nationalcarshare.co.uk, or visit www.nationalcarshare.co.uk

Newcomer on the block is Travel 2 Work at www:travel2work.co.uk

The successor to Transport 2000 is a pressure group that campaigns for transport and planning policies that are sustainable and do not damage the environment. Website: http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/home

Cycling groups in Berkshire campaign for improved and safer provision for cyclists on local roads especially better access to town centres. Members work closely with Council officers in ensuring the needs of cyclists are included in Local Transport Plans.

For information on cycling campaigns running in your area:

www.readingcyclecampaign.org.uk

Windsor & Maidenhead Cycling Campaign contact: Peter England at 01628 473300 or e-mail him at hscape@care4free.net

The Safer Journeys to School project is part of Reading Borough Council's Local Agenda 21 programme. Aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists, the hope is that it will encourage more journeys by foot or cycle than in the car. The benefits will be fitter children, fewer road casualities and reduced air pollution from cars making for a healthier and safer environment.

To find out more please contact Mark Hillyer on 0118 939 0232

The Cinder Track runs through Slough from north to south and involves local communities, businesses, the Police and the voluntary sector in improvements in security and design aspects to make it a safe and easy link between local neighbourhoods. Further information Groundwork Thames Valley Tel: 01895 832662

The first scheme, involving 20-25 families at Courthouse Junior School, Maidenhead was organised by Maidenhead & District Friends of the Earth, with the active support of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. The "bus" of children, with supervisory adults, walk to school each morning over a set route, picking up children as they go. The reverse takes place after school. Two further schemes are now running at Boyne Hill Infants, Maidenhead and St Edward's First, Windsor.

Guidance and information on setting up a walking school bus is now available in a booklet published by Friends of the Earth price £3.50. Alternatively, contact: Jo Pike, the Council's travelwise officer who can offer advice and assistance to schools. Tel: 01628 796491 or e-mail joanne.pike@rbwm.gov.uk.