A BIKE swarm will be hitting the streets of Salisbury tomorrow.

Described as a "protest on wheels", the Extinction Rebellion Salisbury bike ride aims to promote transport without a car, while tackling air pollution and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

As part of World Car Free Day, the ride will disrupt and divert traffic, and the protest group will also be using the event to call for the city to become pedestrianised.

Extinction Rebellion Salisbury working group member, Mike d'Apice, said: “It seems that while average car emissions per passenger per kilometre continue to fall, if by less than half of one per cent per year, the total passenger miles travelled in the UK continues to increase. 

"By 2017, 83 per cent of the 808 billion passenger miles travelled were in cars, vans or taxis. Each of these journeys now average 176 grams of CO2 emissions per passenger per kilometre – compared with 100 grams for local buses, 41 grams if you travel by train and zero grams on foot or bicycle."

Starting in the Guildhall Square at 10am, cyclists will set off on a continuous circular route around Winchester Street, Brown Street, St John Street, Catherine Street, New Canal, High Street, Silver Street, Minster Street and Blue Boar Row.

And during the bike ride participants can do as many laps as they wish, with the swarm coming to an end at 2pm.

In conjunction with Salisbury City Council, Extinction Rebellion Salisbury has also pledged to plant a tree for every person who takes part, to continue its work combatting the recently declared climate emergency.

Mike added: "This action will help to raise awareness of the issue – and it will be fun to take part.”