Ahead of tonight's London ride, Birmingham cyclists demand Space for Cycling

Hundreds of West Midlands cyclists took part in the Ride on Birmingham Flashride on Sunday, September 1 to increase the visibility of cycling in Britain’s second city ahead of Parliament debating the Get Britain Cycling report today.

Riders gathered for breakfast in Victoria Square Birmingham, followed by a ride around the city centre and adjacent areas of the Jewellery Quarter and Entertainment District.

The ride also aimed to further the reach of London Cycling Campaign's ‘space for cycling’ initiative, which includes a mass ride in London this evening in advance of the Parliamentary debate.

Space for Cycling

London cyclists get their chance to make their voices heard today. London Cycling Campaign’s Space for Cycling ride meets at Jubilee Gardens at 6pm (for 6.30pm start) on Monday September 2 and will ride through Parliament Square just before the Get Britain Cycling report is to be debated.

London Cycling Campaign says: “Despite the four recent cycling deaths and thousands of people taking to London’s streets in protest, Mayor Boris Johnson has ignored the public’s clamour for safe space for cycling.

“Our protest will remind the Mayor that providing dedicated space for cycling is vitally important for make our streets safe and inviting for everyone:

“Main roads and major junctions need to be made safe for cycling using segregated tracks and cyclist-specific traffic lights to protect people from fast-moving and heavy motor traffic.

“Local streets – where people predominantly live and shop – should transformed into spaces that are safe for cycling and walking by removing through motor traffic and reducing its speed.”

The ride will be marshalled by experienced LCC volunteers (including road.cc's own TR McGowran, so look out for a man with a big 'tache and big glasses), and there are guided rides organised by LCC local groups to bring supporters in from locations outside the city centre.