From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, June 27, 2008

CHURCHGOERS and community groups in Exeter are being encouraged to leave their cars at home and use their bicycles to travel to St James' Church and church hall.

New sheltered bicycle racks have been funded equally by the church and Cycle Exeter and will be officially blessed at 7:30pm on Monday. (30 June)

Reverend Henry Pryse, (Rector) and Reverend James Hutchings (Curate) both regularly cycle to the church and around their parish. Both will be at the launch, at which Father Henry will bless the new shelter. They will also be joined by other cyclists from the church and local community, including the cubs and scouts who use the church hall for their activities on Monday evenings.

Father Henry said: "Cycling has lots of benefits - it is enjoyable, saves money in these times of high fuel prices, is good for the environment, and is also a way of contributing to our Christian calling to be good stewards of God's creation. This initiative is part of St James' wider aims of reducing carbon emissions by the church and local community and improving the environment at the church. If cycling is not possible for you, we also encourage walking. We are on a regular bus route or we encourage car sharing. Other green measures have included the creation of a wild flower meadow in the church grounds by local children at our summer holiday club."

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "The church and church hall attract people from right across the community so this is a marvellous idea to get people to think about how they travel. I applaud the efforts of St James' Church in working with the County Council to provide the facilities which hopefully will encourage people to cycle and help make Devon greener."

The facilities provide parking for ten bikes. The scheme is one of eight to receive Cycle Exeter match funding for new bike sheds this year.

Gina Small, Devon County Council's Workplace Travel Plan Officer who has been working closely with the church on the scheme, said: "It is fantastic to see so much enthusiasm and commitment from the church in promoting healthy and green transport, and sets a great example to the local community. I'm sure this will make cycling in the city an easier choice for many people."

Assistance and funding to improve cycle facilities is open to any organisation in the city. Last year 11 schools and businesses benefited from the scheme.

Notes for Editors:

Media representatives are invited to St James' Church for a photo/filming opportunity at 7:30pm on Monday 30 June.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.