Spokes turns on the charm

RESIDENTS are to accompany local politicians on a city-wide bike ride to highlight the needs of cyclists in the Capital.

Organisers hope that at least 400 cyclists will turn out tomorrow to ride with MPs, MSPs and councillors to a special breakfast hosted at the City Chambers by campaign group Spokes.

They also expect to see a high number of councillors attending the event.

Mike Smith, 30, a doctoral student from Gorgie, who has organised a ride from Harrison Park to the Chambers, said that a record turnout of more than 4000 at this year’s Pedal on Parliament showed that politicians have an obligation to engage with cyclists.

He said: “This event is about getting councillors to follow through on their targets.

“There are lots of good things happening now in Edinburgh, which have been achieved through political pressure.

“I would say councillors have been listening well to cyclists and the bike ride is an important part of the wider work that cycling campaigners are
doing.”