Sir Chris in cycling appeal

Published on 08/10/2012 12:00

CAPITAL track star Sir Chris Hoy has claimed Scotland should mirror the success of countries like Denmark and the Netherlands to become a nation of cyclists.

The six-time Olympic gold medallist said the sport’s rising popularity in the wake of Britain’s triumphs at the Olympics and in the Tour de France means the time is right for embracing an increasingly bike-friendly ethos.

He said: “The potential is there. It’s not something that will happen overnight but we will have to keep pushing and pushing. It’s not just for one reason either, such as cutting down on road congestion or reducing carbon emissions.

“It’s about the obesity issue and improving people’s health. It’s a social issue too. Cycling can be purely about transport or you can make it a recreational activity.”