Rethink Draft Biofuels Policy

Good intentions lain to waste:-
The Governments draft biofuels policy, the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), could see businesses producing biofuels by destroying rainforests and wetlands.
This dash for biofuels:
Is poorly thought out
Lacks appropriate safeguards
Could create more problems than it solves
Greenpeace, RSPB, WWF and Friends of the Earth are all demanding that the RTFO is strengthened so that it truely benefits the environment.Tell the Minister of State for Transport to choose the right biofuel.

Transport link environment fears for the sports village

How do we get to the sports village?

Apr 18 2007 Gerry Holt, South Wales Echo A Cardiff conservation group is calling on the council to radically reassess plans for the International Sports Village. Cardiff Friends of the Earth is warning the village in Cardiff Bay will fail unless it has adequate transport links, particularly for those without cars.

The group claim proposals for alternative transport plans have been rejected or shelved, including a new railway station at Cogan linked to a pedestrian or cycle bridge and cycle lanes on the Cogan Spur. Marc Buehner, of the group, said: 'It is completely unacceptable for a modern development to be so reliant on the car. As well as negative health and environmental effects, congestion on approach roads will make the village less appealing, leading to some facilities becoming less viable.'

The group is organising a cycle-ride demonstration to press for a bridge over the River Ely at 11am on Sunday, starting at Cogan station.

CARDIFF FRIENDS OF THE EARTH DEMO 22 April

Cardiff Friends of the Earth are organizing a Cycle Demo on SUNDAY, 22nd APRIL (which happens to be Earth Day) to campaign for a cycle/pedestrian bridge over the river Ely.
For all the millions thrown at the International Sports Village, the developers could not be bothered to provide a safe way for cyclists and pedestrians to access the site from Penarth, which is only a stone's throw away across the river. The only option is to chance the Cogan Spur flyover, with its 60mph speed limit and no pavement.

Assembly point is the Cogan Rail Station car park, Penarth, at 11hrs AM. We will then cycle up to Baron's Court Junction, over the Spur (en mass), through the big roundabout at the bottom by Asda, and then back up again on the same route to finish in the car park again.

If you are not a cyclist, you can still come and participate. Although the police do not allow pedestrians on the spur itself, pedestrian demonstrators could assemble in the car park, walk up to the junction with the cyclists, and then stand on the pavement near the Spur. If you could bring a banner or sign, this would have the added bonus of alerting motorists to the purpose of the demonstration. Families and children are particularly welcome. Contact: Marc Buehner mbuehner@mac.com.

RFI0414 Cycle Bridge over River Ely

Picture Local group members try to cross the River Ely