Thousands of cyclists in Scottish Parliament protest

Pedal on Parliament is a grassroots movement calling on politicians to make Scotland a cycle-friendly country.

Started in 2012, it has brought thousands of cyclists on to the streets of the Capital every year.

Organiser David Brennan rode the bike that was being ridden by cyclist Andrew McNicoll when he was killed on the roads in Edinburgh just before the first Pedal on Parliament. The bike was donated by Mr McNicoll’s family.

Introducing a minute’s silence for those who have died on the roads, he said: “The fact that there are so few scratches on this bike, shows just how vulnerable we are on the road.

“We need to see conditions where everyone can ride and families do not suffer the tragedies the McNicoll family have.”

Transport Minister Derek Mackay attended the event, and pledged additional spending on cycling.

He said: “We’ll put our money where our mouth is to invest in infrastructure so that cycling is seen as a proper mode of transport – across a range of policies.

Green MSP Alison Johnstone said: “This fantastic grass-roots movement means the message is getting through.”

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