Representatives from British Cycling joined MPs and key figures in cycling for the annual All Party Parliamentary Bike Ride today.
The event began with a photocall at the Transport Museum where British Olympic medallist from the 1948 London Games, Tommy Godwin, gave an inspirational speech and displayed his bike and medals. Tommy was then joined by dozens of MPs, including Transport Minister Norman Baker, and Ian Austin, co-chair of the All Party Cycling Group, to cycle the three mile route from the London Transport Museum to the House of Commons, where Norman Baker took questions from various cycling organisations and other attendees.
Martin Gibbs, British Cycling’s Director of Policy and Legal Affairs, said:
“Today’s event was a great success. It was good to see so many MPs, including the Transport Minister, on their bikes - an indication that cycling has considerable support in Westminster. Along with the other cycling groups like CTC and Sustrans we will be working hard to turn that support into policy commitments.
"Events like this one highlight how cycling is a fantastic way of bringing people together, as well as being a sustainable mode of transport. We were privileged to be joined on the ride by former Olympian Tommy Godwin – at 92, he is proof that cycling is also a great way to keep fit. I hope this event inspires even more MPs to travel to the House of Commons on two wheels.”
The event also marked the official launch of Bike Week 2012, an annual campaign that will run this year from 18 – 24 June. The week promotes everyday cycling for everyone and this year Samsung is donating £1 to charity for every mile cycled.
