As posted on the STV site:
Just a little over two months ago we, a group of seven enthusiastic yet very diverse cyclists, got together on the internet and decided that the time had come for significant policy changes towards cycling in Scotland.With little or no experience and with the minimum of funds and resources we set up a campaign that called on the people of Scotland, cyclists and non-cyclists alike to Pedal On Parliament.
On the 28th April 2012 a crowd of more than 2500 strong gathered in the Meadows. After a minutes silence, paying respect to those cyclists killed on our roads, and following a mass ringing of bike bells, horns and cheers, the huge crowd set off alongside us helping us to deliver a manifesto and a petition with more than 3000 signatures to our politicians in Holyrood.
What was notable about this event was not just the sheer numbers, with it being quoted as the largest cycling demonstration that Scotland had ever seen and the largest political gathering outside Holyrood, but also the diversity of its participants.
Not only were the sports cyclists and daily commuters represented, there were families and children among the throng, including children on balance bikes, with stabilisers, in child seats, and on tagalongs.
This was a celebration of cycling, but it had a serious purpose. We were calling on our politicians to make the tough but necessary decisions needed to make our roads safe for everyone to use.
There is no reason why our roads could not be safe for everyone.
This vision of roads safe for all is already being achieved in an ever-growing number of cities and countries around the world. The changes needed as set out in detail in out 8 point manifesto require political will and investment.
We were extremely pleased that the ride itself was supported by nearly all of the major political parties. Indeed, Jim Eadie (SNP), Sarah Boyack (Labour), Gordon Mackenzie (Liberal Democrats), and Alison Johnstone (Greens) all supported the aims of our manifesto.
The political will would appear to be present. All that is needed now to create a new more active Scotland, one that could have at least 10% of all journeys by bike by 2020 is the commitment of the Scottish Government and of local government to invest in cycling and follow the clear path set out by our manifesto.
First Minister, on Radio Scotland on the 1st of May 2012, you yourself confirmed that you support the aims of Pedal on Parliament and that we were ‘pushing against an open door… I want to see this move forward’. However, the pronouncements made by your government on cycling have yet to incorporate the practical measures we have proposed in our manifesto.
Warm words of support for cycling are appreciated, but without action have little meaning.
We’re looking for proper investment in making Scotland a cycle-friendly country, so that a whole new generation of children can lead active and healthy lives. We hope to meet with you and your ministers soon to make this a reality.
We believe with vision Scotland can be show the world that it is ready to take on the transport issues of the 21st centaury head on, and to make Scotland a cycle friendly nation.