YORK'S cycling civic leader is getting on the "chain gang" in more ways than one, as she steps into the civic hot seat.

New Lord Mayor Coun Janet Looker plans to use pedal power to get her through this year's busy council programme, and has decked her bike out with a mayoral flag and City of York crest.

For less formal engagements within cycling distance, she plans to ditch the swish limo and heavy mayoral chains and ride to functions in a specially designed T-shirt with printed chains on the front and "Lord Mayor" on the back.

The city's new Sheriff, former councillor Bob Scrase, is also a keen cyclist, and plans to accompany her in similar style.

Coun Looker, 66, became Lord Mayor two weeks ago. She said her environmentally-friendly move made sense in bike-friendly York.

"I cycle everywhere and think it's good that just because you are Lord Mayor, you do not become terribly pompous," Coun Looker said.

"It also shows that even Lord Mayors find bikes a useful way of getting around the city of York."

The Labour councillor stressed that formal attire and the council limo would still be used on formal occasions and for longer distance engagements.

Updated: 08:55 Saturday, June 12, 2004