Objectives

1. To secure maximum publicity for our ‘Stop shark finning’ petition and our demand that sustainable EU fisheries policies’, as per FAO IPOA Sharks, be implemented and enforced.

2. To raise public awareness of the fact that sharks urgently need our help.

3. To increase the profile and support for the Shark Trust and partner organizations.

Outline - Ali Hood and Jackie Hill will cycle their tandem bike from London to Brussels pulling an 2m model shark (on a bike trailer). In order to generate the maximum amount of publicity, we are keen that as many people as possible get on their bikes and demonstrate their support. Please note the Shark Trust aims to join forces with other groups concerned with shark, skate and ray conservation issues. As such we will also be encouraging yachtsmen, recreational sea anglers, commercial fishermen, aquariums staff and all those who want to ensure the future survival of these fascinating but vulnerable animals to join us on our ‘Save Our Sharks bike ride’. Whilst there is no charge to enter this bike ride, please do raise funds for the Shark Trust by asking friends and colleagues sponsor your bike ride.

Timings and route – 21^st June to 25^th June. From the UK it will take an estimated 5 days to bike from London to Brussels (up to 60 miles per day). Alternatively you may wish to join us for part of the journey – for example Hook of Holland to Brussels is only 3 days (over the weekend and Monday). People and groups are welcome to join the ride at any point along the journey and especially to join us in Brussels at 10.00am on 25^th June to lobby the EU Commission.

Day 1, 21^st June - Leave Westminster, London at midday for Chelmsford (56km).

Day 2, 22^nd June – 10.00am leave Chelmsford for Harwich (80km). Catch night ferry to Hook of Holland (either 19.20hrs and accommodation in Hook of Holland or 23.15hrs and a cabin on the boat). For those in the UK that only want to ride days 3,4,& 5 the 10.40hrs ferry might be preferable.

Day 3, 23^rd June – 10.00am leave Hoek van Holland, Maassluis 11 km, Brielle 9 km
Stellendam 15 km, Sommelsdijk 10 km, Nieuwe Tonge 5 km, Hoek van St. Jacob 5 km, Vossemeer 14km and Bergen op Zoom 14k. Total distance for day 3 is 69km.

Day 4, 24^th June - 10.00 am campsite area, through Bergen op Zoom, Mattenburg 9 km,
Huijbergen 5 km, BELGIUM, Kalmthout 10 km, Kapellen 8 km,
Merksem 8 km, ANTWERPEN 10 km, Hoboken 6 km, Kruibeke 4
km, Mariekerken, St. Amands, Buggenhout, Malderen, Merchtem, Wemmel (ca.
20 km to campsite area). Total for day 4 is 80km.

Day 5, 25^th June – Leave Wemmel at 9.00am to be at EU Commission in BRUSSEL at 10.00am. to give 15,000+ Stop shark finning and implement FAO IPOA Sharks petitions to the EU Commissioner for the Environment (10km).

For more info on FAO IPOA Sharks, please see the FAO website. For more information on shark finning, please see the information below.

For further updates, please keep an eye on the Shark Trust website.

Please spread the word and encourage others to join in. If you care about the life in our Oceans and want to help protect marine life, NOW is the time to take action. If you are unable to join us on the bike ride and would like to help towards paying for the costs of implementing this action (approx £3,000), please send a donation to the appropriate registration address.

Thank you for your support!