Bike film night

On the fringe of the fringe last night was....Bicycology Stroud (see photo). They presented their second film night in the cafe at the Sub Rooms in Stroud - showing a collection of films to some 30 people starting with a 1950s look at cycling - great old footage of cyclists putting their bikes on the train to Rugby to then cycle around that area...

...this was followed by a £500,000 minute long film made by the Government to promote cycling...."Cycle Hero" - see it here: www.cyclehero.com

I have to say I agreed with people last night who expressed some dissatisfaction with this attempt to promote cycling using this American model, Genevieve Lake. The film has been played in cinemas across the country - some 5 million people have already seen the film but I am not sure how much it will persuade people to get into the saddle.

"Bicycology uses creative methods to encourage environmental responsibility. Its aim is to promoting cycling as a healthy, practical and enjoyable alternative to high-carbon lifestyles, and to challenge the politics and economics that have led us down the road to environmental destruction and massive global injustice"

Next up was the pedal powered washing machine (pictured) - I saw it last year at the Ragged Hedge Fair (see previous blog items for more on that) - then a film about Critical Mass - a moving bit where cyclists gathered on a site where a guy had been killed by a 4x4 - in the discussion there was talk of a Critical Mass cycle ride in Stroud possibly on a regular basis.

Then a film with Mark Lynas talking about climate change. I sadly couldn't stay for all the other films but lined up were: "Reclaim Power" from Summer 2006 where 600 people convinced that there is no time to waste set up a Camp for Climate Action. In the shadow of Drax coal-fired power station in Yorkshire - one of the biggest CO2 emitters in Europe - they held a 10 day space of collective learning, sustainable living and direct action. Plus "Reach for the Sky" about this years Camp for Climate Action at Heathrow Airport, which is responsible for more climate harming greenhouse gas emissions than any other site in the UK. This film gives some background, explaining the problems with aviation, and it’s massive growth in recent decades.

James, the organiser of the event (see photo) kindly gave me a couple of minutes to talk to the 30 or so people re Staverton airport and the hopes of some people to set up a Camp there to raise awareness about climate change and more.