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Representatives from all the main political parties took part in the annual All Parliamentary Bike Ride this morning.
Hosted by EDF Energy ahead of tomorrow’s Green Britain Day, the ride was given some additional publicity via the presence of Olympic cycle champ Victoria Pendleton. She’s seen chatting and riding with MPs and biking bigwigs in this 4 minute YouTube video.
MPs and peers cycled three miles around central London, promoting cycling as a mode of transport to keep fit, save money and cut carbon footprints.
During the ride the Parliamentary pedallers took a pit stop at Churchill Primary School, Pimlico to get a taste of Bikeability – the cycle award scheme pitched as a ‘cycling proficiency for the 21st Century’ – which gives children and young people cycle skills and confidence.
The end of the ride saw Parliamentary Under Secretary of Transport Norman Baker give a speech to a post-race reception.
The ride took place a few days before the start of EDF-sponsored Bike Week (June 19th – 26th).
“It is most encouraging to see more and more parliamentarians take part in this annual cycle ride,” enthused chairman of Cycling England Phillip Darnton.
“They appreciate, as do millions of others, the benefits that cycling brings, especially for short journeys. Cycling addresses two problems at once – it reduces traffic congestion and pollution while simultaneously tackling lack of physical activity and obesity. The humble bicycle really can help meet so many issues in today’s challenging times – it’s inexpensive, it’s convenient and it’s good fun for us all too.”
Paul Spence, director of Strategy and Regulation, EDF Energy said: “We can only tackle climate change effectively by working together as a team. As the UK’s largest producer of low carbon electricity and London 2012’s first sustainability partner, EDF Energy has kicked off Team Green Britain to bring people together to reduce Britain’s carbon footprint.
“All those riding in the All Party Parliamentary Cycle Ride are setting a great example to the rest of the country on the day before Green Britain Day. I hope that people all over the country follow suit as cycling is a great way to save money, socialise and get fit whilst reducing your carbon footprint. It’s a great example of how doing your bit for the environment can be fun and fit into your everyday routine.”
Conservative Party MP Bernard Jenkins added: “Cycling is now taking its place as a proper mode of transport and with the large number of MPs we have had taking part in our annual Bike Ride and Bikeability training helps to push cycling further up the political agenda.”
