British cyclists including urban planners and architects are gearing up for a 6500km ride across America and the UK to see how well or otherwise cities accommodate those on two wheels.

The group will set off from Portland in Oregon on 27 April and travel east, visiting cities including Minneapolis, Chicago and Pittsburgh before arriving into New York on 1 July. Their ride will recommence from Shannon in Ireland before taking in Swansea, Bristol and Oxford; arriving into Portland Place in London on 13 July.

Cyclists on the ‘Portland to Portland Place’ challenge will meet with city authorities, policy makers and local riders to discuss cycle strategy and try out new infrastructure for themselves. Comparative analysis of cycling facilities in the cities will be carried out and published ahead of a World Cycling Summit in London in August.

The aim, they say, is to help politicians and planners to improve conditions for cyclists in cities.

“When people think of transport in America they tend to think that the car is king but that is not always the case,” said cyclist and architecture professional Antonia Hazlerigg. “Some of the cities such as Portland are very forward thinking when it comes to cycling.”

Another of the cyclists is the construction photographer Grant Smith (pictured). “New York has done a lot for cycling in recent years and what we find may be of interest to those in London,” he said. Grant will be taking pictures en route and uploading them to the group’s Twitter feed.

As well as conducting research the group will also be raising money for three charities. To find out more visit www.portlandtoportland.org

(Photo: Greg Bartley)

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