Shambala festival goers will be joining the UK's leading sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, on a series of bike rides across the country as they set off for a carbon neutral journey to the UK's greenest festival. Sustrans are leading rides from Bristol, Derby, Sheffield, Coventry and Leicester.

Sustrans staff will be leading the rides and giving back-up support to festival goers who will be cycling their way to Northamptonshire for a weekend of fun.

Sustrans ride leader Jessica Hicks said: 'This year Sustrans has joined forces with Shambala to promote the greenest possible festival experience. It is vital that festival goers try to minimise their environmental impact, and cycling is a great way to do it. Currently travelling to and from Shambala contributes to 80% of the environmental impact of the festival.'

Shambala Director Christopher Johnson said: 'We pride ourselves on tackling the environmental impact of the festival. We are tackling the festival's C02 emissions year by year. This year, we have voluntary carbon charging for car pass buyers, and are working with Sustrans to encourage people out of cars and onto bikes.'

In addition to organising the rides, Sustrans will be running a series of workshops at the festival covering bike maintenance, making recycled cycling t-shirts, and making bike powered smoothies.

Sustrans workshop leader David Clasby said: 'Working together to provide a fun, green and enjoyable experience shows that both Sustrans and Shambala are committed to sustainable transport, sustainable events and a sustainable future.'

(c) Sustrans 2009