GET out of your cars!That was the message today from the government as more than 50 MPs and peers got on their bikes to promote cycling to work.But Suffolk's Westminster politicians were not able to join their colleagues on a ride along the south bank – they were busy with other things.
GET out of your cars!
That was the message today from the government as more than 50 MPs and peers got on their bikes to promote cycling to work.
But Suffolk's Westminster politicians were not able to join their colleagues on a ride along the south bank – they were busy with other things.
"This has come too soon after my appointment, I'm afraid," said South Suffolk MP and Tory transport spokesman Tim Yeo.
"Certainly I support cycling – to ease traffic congestion, because it's good for the environment, and for health reasons.
"But more needs to be done to attract people on to their bikes – and there is the fear factor, people don't like cycling on roads that they have to share with fast-moving cars and lorries."
Liberal Democrat transport spokeswoman in the House of Lords Baroness Ros Scott from Needham Market was unable to take part in the event because she was chairing a conference on the subject.
Bury St Edmunds MP David Ruffley, whose constituency includes Stowmarket and Needham Market, also supported moves to encourage cycling but was not aware of any particular problems in his constituency.
"As an opposition whip I had to go to a meeting when this ride was taking place, but I certainly support its aims," he said.
Transport minister Dr Kim Howells MP led fellow ministers, MPs and peers in the annual Parliamentary Bike Ride from the Tate Modern on Bankside to the House of Commons
The Parliamentary Bike Ride is organised by the Cyclists Public Affairs Group for the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group, one of the largest cross party groups with 90 members.
The event is part of the Bike2Work promotion which encourages employees to ditch their cars and cycle to work during Bike Week the UK's annual 'celebration of cycling'.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here