The pedal-pushing Mayor of York, Shan Braund, was today urging people to get on their bikes for National Bike to Work Day as she cycled near the Mansion House.

She was among thousands of people who opted to cycle to work today, as Bike to Work Day kicked off around the country.

Among them was York's MP, Hugh Bayley, who was joining other MPs today cycling to work through central London.

But he confessed he didn't get on his bike as much now, since he became a Social Security Minister.

"I used to cycle to work every day at the House of Commons, but now I am a minister they won't let me carry my red box of Government papers on the back of my bike.

"They say it is a security risk - but they are worried about the security of the papers, not my safety!"

Mr Bayley, who will ride from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions with other MPs for Bike to Work Day, called York the cycling capital of the north of England, and wished Westminster City Council would put in as many cycle paths and safety measures as City of York.

Picture-GEARING UP: The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Shan Braund, gets ready for Bike To Work Day