Why

The inspiration for Lifecycles came from a series of unconnected long distance bike rides during 1999 and 2000. One such event involved people from all over Europe cycling to Praha in the Czech Republic for the IMF / World Bank meeting in September 2000. More recently a small group of people (including some of those now involved in this project) cycled to the Hague in Holland to protest at the COP6 international climate change conference in November 2000.

Lifecycles was conceieved as bicycle roadshow to raise awareness about genetically modified crops and the governments farmscale trials. The idea Lifecycles has evolved a lot since then. We recognise that there is no such thing as a single issue so climate change, corporate control and sustainability all get incorporated into Lifecycles events.

However, for the next year a least, genetic engineering will continue to be our major focus. Despite the wishes of the majority of people of this country - 77% of whom say they want GM banned - the UK government continues to back the biotech industry. They plan to launch a massive pro GM propaganda campaign under the guise of public consultation and 'debate'. Using tame 'scientists', mindless media and massive amounts of cash, their spin doctors will attempt to reverse public opinion in order to pave the way for commercialisation of GM crops. Lifecycles, with sustainable energy and (of course) sequins and glitter, will be attempting to encourage some real informed debate and pro-active democracy.

Who?

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