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Scotland’s Pedal on Parliament took place in cold but mostly dry conditions; the Big Ride in London took place in pouring rain. The high attendance at both rides demonstrates that cyclists have become a political force to be reckoned with.
The headline above didn’t say cyclists. This is because the campaign for more protection from motorised traffic is about people, and not a minority interest group.
The Big Ride, a slow four mile parade through central London, was organised by the London Cycling Campaign, with help from The Times. The aim was to get the mayoral candidates to sign up to the "Love London, Go Dutch" safe streets concept, all of whom have now done so.
LCC’s chief executive, Ashok Sinha, said: "The Big Ride is our best chance to show the next mayor we’re serious about redesigning our streets to make them safer for everyone.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the thousands who braved the very British weather, and showed our politicians the amount of passion there is for safer cycling in the capital and beyond."
The Big Ride took in Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square, before ending on the Victoria Embankment.
Edinburgh’s Pedal on Parliament was organised by bike bloggers with help from campaign groups.
The ‘salvaiciclisti’ demo in Rome – inspired by the cyclesafe campaign by The Times – attracted 50,000 people on bikes.
