A LETTER to the Citizen prompted local MP Hilton Dawson to get on his bike and take up the challenge of cycling around the busy city centre roads.

Keen cyclist Alan Tyson wrote to the city's most lively letters page asking Dawson to join him on his daily ride to work.

He was amazed when the MP got in touch and offered to hit the city centre streets one morning.

Alan said: "Its amazing to think that a letter from a local hothead in a the Citizen led to all this.

"I've been on the radio, I've been interviewed by loads of newspapers. But it's been an enjoyable experience, focusing on a serious issue.

"The cycle tracks had all been cleaned up, and the roads were quiet because of the school holidays, and although there were no near misses, Hilton conceded that it could be dangerous cycling on busy roads."

Dawson replied: "It was good fun. When you get on to the cycle track it is actually fine, but I regard riding around the busy streets as a very dangerous experience, and I take my hat off to those who are pioneering cycling to work."

Pictured are Alan and Hilton, getting on their bikes.