'ON yer bike' is the message from Preston council as Green Transport Week encouraged local folk to keep the car at home.

The launch on the Flag Market involved green groups and anti-traffic campaigners offering advice, opinions and alternatives to using the car. A horse from Fulwood Riding Centre trotted in to encourage travel by four legs rather than four wheels. The event is part of this month's Don't Choke Britain campaign to reduce exhaust emissions and protect the environment.

Scores of schoolchildren pounded the pavements to and from class rather than taking the bus, and council staff cycled to work to set an example.

There was a mid-week scramble from the town centre to the docks as 12 teams took to tandems, taxis and their own two feet in a special travel challenge.

The University of Central Lancashire is taking part today (Thursday) by holding a conference to promote green transport.

And watch out tomorrow (Friday) when Lancashire police will be out in force for spot-checks on vehicle emissions. Cars which are choking up the atmosphere will be forced off the roads until the owners clean up their act.

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