Thousands of cyclists are expected to take to the streets today to protest about cycling infrastructure across Scotland.
The protest will begin at 12 noon at Middle Meadow Walk and they will then cycle and walk to Holyrood.
Mark Beaumont said, “I am looking forward to joining Pedal on Parliament once again, this time with my daughter. While I believe progress has been made over the past seven years to make Scotland a safer country to cycle in, it is massively important that our MSPs understand how vital safer roads and better infrastructure are for everyone. It’s only through a mindset of sharing roads and respect for everyone that we will see more adults and children feeling safe enough to cycle as part of their everyday lives.”
The volunteers who run Pedal on Parliament are delighted that Mark has chosen to support the protest again. They have spoken about their own reasons for getting involved.
Alice Lyall said, “A few years ago I had a frightening fall on Princes Street when my bike wheel got trapped in the tramline. I was really lucky and walked away with a concussion. Since then a young woman in Edinburgh has lost her life in a similar incident, and hundreds of other people have been hurt. It makes me angry sometimes – it shouldn’t feel this risky to get around my own city just because I’m not in a car! That’s why I decided to help organise PoP this year, because our roads should be safe for all of us.”
“I always liked to use my bike instead of my car until I had children. Now, I worry about all the potholes and close passes” says Denise Marshall, who has two young children. “I really miss the fresh air and exercise just getting around town and I’m disappointed that I’ve had to stop for a while.”
Sally Hinchcliffe, who has been involved with Pedal on Parliament since it began in 2012 said,
“We’ve had enough of listening to politicians making assurances that things will improve. We need to move beyond the soundbites and judge them based on their actions. The evidence is out there, and other cities across Europe are already taking action. We need our representatives to hear our voices and make our country safe for everyone who wants to ride their bike.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
