CHRIS Hoy's packed schedule continued yesterday with an early morning visit to watch his team-mate Shenaze Reade compete in the BMX, a lunchtime press conference with Denise Lewis at London House, and an afternoon meeting at the British Embassy with Gordon Brown, during which the Prime Minister invited Hoy to advise him on how to promote cycling.
The meeting with Brown was hosted by the University of Edinburgh – both Brown and Hoy are graduates – with Sir Timothy O'Shea in attendance, along with Britain's ambassador to China, Sir William Ehrman.
"The Prime Minister said very well done, an
d that we'd done the country proud," said Hoy. "He also said that he hoped our success would benefit cycling in Britain, and he said that if there was anything I could suggest that would help with the promotion of cycling, I should tell him.
"I told him I'd take him up on that offer, and he said he was hoping to invite the whole cycling team to Downing Street for a reception. So that might be my opportunity. But I definitely intend to follow it up."
Hoy explained: "I think that if government are serious about trying to reduce pollution and congestion and all the problems associated with using cars, they have to make it a more attractive proposition to ride a bike in our country.
"Little bike lanes here and there aren't enough to make a difference. They have to be proper bike lanes that cyclists can ride, and have right of way on, that aren't going to be covered in glass, and are not going to have cars crossing them.
"The more people who ride bikes, the more general attitudes towards cycling will change.
"You go to the continent and cyclists have right of way; people are looking out for them in their cars. It's not an inconvenience, it's part of the transport.
"Yeah, the weather's not always great in Britain, there are a few hills, but promoting cycling is something the government should be doing for a number of reasons – sport is a small one.
"With the aim of improving the health of the nation and reducing pollution and congestion, combined with the success we've enjoyed here – I think this is a really good opportunity for cycling."
One of Hoy's final duties at these Games might be as flag-bearer for the British team at tomorrow's Closing Ceremony.
The identity of the chosen athlete hasn't been announced yet, though Hoy is understood to be the outstanding favourite.
The full article contains 429 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
