Scottish cycling star, Mark Beaumont, led Scotland’s biggest bike ride, Pedal for Scotland on Sunday 14 September. With over 5000 cyclists taking part the 10th Pedal for Scotland was a resounding success. Cyclists of all ages and abilities took part in the ride from Glasgow Green to Victoria Park in Edinburgh, which had regular rest stops, free snacks and entertainment along the route. Pedal for Scotland was established by Cycling Scotland in 1998 to promote cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice and is now Scotland’s biggest bike ride. When the race began only 400 participants took part however this figure has continually grown over the past ten years proving the increasing popularity of cycling. Including this year’s figures, a massive 20,000 people have ridden the ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh and over £800,000 has been raised for charity in the past nine years. Of this figure £500,000 was raised for Leukemia Research alone, the ride’s official partner. Record breaker cyclist, Mark Beaumont, commenting on the ride, said: “I really enjoyed taking part in the ride today, talking to cyclists on route and hearing great enthusiasm about cycling from both experienced and new riders. “Pedal for Scotland is a great event for the whole family and it’s fantastic to see so many people taking up the challenge.” Commenting on the today’s event, Ian Aitken, organiser of Pedal for Scotland and representative of Cycling Scotland, said: “I would like to thank all of those who have helped organise the event, including Sustrans, Perfect Motion and Pennine Events, who have helped develop the event for competitors. I would also like to thank all of the volunteers who made this event possible and made sure the event ran smoothly. And not to forget those that took part and made this event a memorable one. “I think it’s safe to say that Pedal for Scotland is now a key event in the cycling calendar.“
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