Round the world cyclists celebrate solar power campaign success
British cyclists return from 13,500 mile cycle ride to new rewards for making solar electricity.
Susie and Jamie back at Tower Bridge with their very own mini solar panels, nine months and 13,500 miles later. Photo: Andy Bodycombe
A pair of campaigning cyclists today returned to London having completed a 13,500 mile, nine month circumnavigation of the globe. British environmental campaigners Susie Wheeldon and Jamie Vining, otherwise known as the ‘Solar Cycle Diary’ team’, are celebrating the success of their trip in helping to raise awareness of the important role of solar power as part of the world’s energy future.
When the cyclists departed from Tower Bridge, London, in May 2009 they called for a decent price to be paid to those generating solar electricity in the UK. Together with campaign group ‘We Support Solar’ they claimed this strong ‘Feed-in tariff’ would create a more stable, cleaner energy mix and creating thousands of ‘green collar’ jobs. The team has also raised thousands of pounds for SolarAid, the London based non-profit solar energy organisation for the developing world.
The cyclists welcomed by family and friends. Photo: Andy Bodycombe
Just over a fortnight ago, to the delight of the cyclists, solar power industry and homeowners across the country, the Government announced the price to be paid to those generating solar electricity in the UK, known as solar ‘Feed-in tariff’ rates. Heralded as ‘revolutionary for UK solar power’ by Solarcentury, the average home can now earn and save over £1,000 a year with a typical solar electric system, a return guaranteed for 25 years. Research has shown this will create thousands of new jobs over the next three years.
Cyclist Susie Wheeldon said: “It’s great to be home after such a huge journey. Even better to think that our campaigning might have made a difference. We are more determined than ever that solar power must play a very significant role in our energy future; we’ve seen some fantastic solar projects across the globe and know it can deliver on a larger scale. We’re so happy that the UK’s made so much headway since our departure - now solar power is a great investment for people. We will continue to campaign for this fantastic technology.”
A relieved Susie Wheeldon and Jamie Vining with Charlotte Webster of Solarcentury and Anna Wells of SolarAid. Photo: Andy Bodycombe.
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said: 'Welcome back and very well done to Susie and Jamie. Their epic round-the-world trip, fueled by a potent combination of human pedal power and the renewable energy of the sun, has helped to successfully put the latest solar technology on the map.”
The grueling journey took them through 14 countries, deserts and mountains to also raise money for SolarAid; the London based solar energy charity for the developing world. They were equipped with thin-film photovoltaic (PV) panels, custom built into their panniers by G24 Innovations, to power the very latest in Nokia navigation, communications and sports technology; allowing their supporters to follow them second by second around the globe.
For more information to go www.thesolarcyclediaries.com
The trip in pictures:
Jamie tries to fit in in Texas.
The desert had more challenges than just heat, the cyclists battle against the wind.
No, it wasn't a walk around the world. Although sometimes it felt like it. This was their third 3800m pass in 24 hours.
Solar Cola, Susie's next campaign for a drinks revolution in the UK. Wearing a hijab in Iran, very hot for cycling.
Susie with workers at Kuraymat.
At the Kuraymat concentrated solar power station.
A monk takes an interest in the bikes on the Tibetan Plateau, the closest place on earth to the sun.