Pedal power to the people as cyclists protest

CYCLISTS protested outside COP26 in Glasgow demanding the leaders recognise the benefits of pedal power.

It was Transport Day at the conference but many people were angry cycling was not on the agenda.

They argue that too much emphasis is being put on a transition to electric cars and not about encouraging and facilitating more cycling.

Around 150 people gathered with their bikes along Broomielaw to protest as delegates entered the venue.

The cyclists were ringing their bike bells and holding placards and banners, some of which said “this machine kills climate change” and “car, car, car, blah, blah, blah”.

Liza Downie from Shawlands has been cycling in Glasgow for more than 20 years.

She said: “They are not talking about cycling.

“Cycling is part of the solution to climate change.

“The person is the engine. I’m baffled why it is not being discussed.”

Anna Grady, from Langside, was there with two others, she said: “We all ride bikes in

Glasgow and are ashamed of our cycling infrastructure.

“When the political will is there, you can make a change.

COP is here yet there’s no mention of bicycles for fighting climate change. It’s all about electric cars.”

Nancy Henderson, from Cathcart, said: “Electric cars won’t change congestion and it won’t make cycling safer.”

Protest organiser, Iona Shepherd, from campaign groups GoBike and Pedal on Parliament, said: “Today is Transport Day at COP26 and active travel is not even on the table for discussions.

“At the conference electric cars are taking centre stage, while our sustainable form of transport – by far the cheapest and easiest way to cut emissions from transport – doesn’t even get a mention.”