Walk Ride GM has today invited the independent MP for Gorton and Denton, Andrew Gwynne, to join a cycle ride around his constituency.
The invitation states:
Dear Mr Gwynne,
We were concerned to read your comments about your constituent’s pleas for a safer network for cycling.
We are a Greater Manchester-wide campaigning organisation with supporters in your constituency.
We would be delighted if you would join us on a cycle ride of the area so you can experience for yourself the benefits of travelling by cycling and also appreciate why improved provision is urgently needed.
Walk Ride GM has previously responded to the revelations by sharing a statement via social media, stating:
Walk Ride GM is appalled by remarks that have come to light today from Andrew Gwynne MP and local councillors, in which they made light of a local campaigner being run over by a heavy goods vehicle. That elected representatives would joke about such a traumatic incident speaks volumes about the contempt some politicians have for road violence.
Every year, more than 80 cyclists are killed on British roads, people who set out on their bikes and never return home due to the unacceptable dangers they face. Dismissing or mocking those affected by road violence undermines the urgent need for action to make our streets safer.
It is disgraceful that instead of engaging with constituents advocating for safer roads, local politicians are ridiculing those who highlight the risks that cyclists face every day. We demand an apology from the local Labour Party in Greater Manchester for these comments and a commitment to treating road danger as the serious issue it is.
We ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, to meet with Walk Ride GM to discuss how the Government intends to address the concerns of campaign groups advocating for an end to road violence – starting with ensuring that their own MPs and councillors engage with the issue with the gravity it deserves.
Walk Ride GM awaits a response from Andrew Gwynne MP.