Thousands of cyclists will take over Westminster’s streets on Monday evening to express their frustration over a lack of progress with introducing safer cycling infrastructure in the capital. A protest ride involving over 5000 riders will begin at 6.30pm, to coincide with a Parliamentary debate on cycling taking place that evening.

“We have received a great response to our ride on social media and through giving out leaflets on the streets,” said London Cycling Campaign spokesman Mike Cavenett. “It is difficult to say how many people will turn up but I would be surprised if there were less than 5000 riders taking part.”

Cyclists will congregate at Jubilee Gardens and begin a slow procession through Parliament Square just as MPs arrive for the cycling debate. Organisers have stressed they do not want to shut down the city for other road users and are confident the event will be very orderly.

“Our key demand is for cyclists to be given more space, especially on main roads and at large junctions,” Mr Cavenett added. “We want to show the strength of feeling among cyclists to put in place the highest standards.”

Next Tuesday a cycling conference will take place in Westminster that will analyse the previous day’s Parliamentary debate and this spring’s report by the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group called 'Get Britain Cycling'. The conference, titled ‘Delivering Safer Cycling Locally’ will be chaired by transport commentator Christian Wolmar and will include presentations by the Department for Transport, cycle group CTC, Transport for London and Bristol City Council. For details, visit http://bit.ly/14AhB57

(Photo: Gerry Lynch)

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