Greater Grassmarket BID celebrates sustainable travel with free event

Visitors are encouraged to take part by walking, cycling or taking public transport

As part of European Mobility Week, The Greater Grassmarket Business Improvement District (BID) is hosting a free family event celebrating walking, cycling and public transport on Saturday 24th September 2016 from 12pm – 5pm.

The event will feature a stage show based on characters from the Greater Grassmarket’s Historic Trail, which will also highlight the importance and advantages of walking and jogging in Edinburgh. Family attraction company Mr Phoebus will be bringing their unique penny farthing experience to the Grassmarket, teaching kids and adults how to ride the Victorian bicycle. Edinburgh bike specialists Grease Monkey Cycles will also be on hand to offer free bike maintenance for visitors. To highlight the advantages of public transport, there will be children’s shows such as ‘How to Ride a Bus’ by comedian Bob Slayer taking place on a vintage bus, along with information from Lothian Transport.

The event will run alongside the Greater Grassmarket’s weekly Saturday market which will have additional stalls providing informationon mobility. There will be entertainment including live art from Scottish painter and muralist Chris Rutterford, music, children’s shows and free rickshaw rides around the Grassmarket area, providing a fun day out for the whole family.

The events have been set up due to the Greater Grassmarket BID being awarded a £10,000 grant by the Scottish Government in order to support European Mobility Week.

Norrie Stewart, Grassmarket BID Project Manager, says: “We want to raise awareness of how enjoyable
sustainable travel can be. Whether you are a keen cyclist or simply want some information on where to begin, we can provide you with everything you need to know on the benefits of walking, cycling and taking public transport. As well as offering advice and information, we also have plenty of fun-filled activities for the whole family and shows to keep the kids entertained.

“It’s great to represent Edinburgh and join forces with the rest of Europe to encourage walking, cycling and taking public transport.”

The Greater Grassmarket BID is also running social media competitions from Friday 16th – Saturday 24th
September to encourage visitors to walk, cycle or take public transport.