A Perthshire councillor who cycles to meetings has urged others to follow in his carbon-saving footsteps.
Strathmore councillor Lewis Simpson cycles the three miles from his Scone home to council HQ in Perth High Street.
He said, “The bike’s quicker, because of the traffic congestion. I can get from my place of work to the council, if the wind’s behind me, in about five minutes.
“It’s cheaper because I only claim 20p per mile and don’t pay for a parking permit. It’s greener, and it’s better for my health.
“I’m always bleating on to folk about taking exercise and politicians can get into trouble for being hypocritical, so I thought I’d better lead by example.
“More people should bike. You can pick up a nice second-hand bike from the Bike Station for £50.”
Under expenses rules, councillors can claim 40p per mile for driving and 20p per mile for cycling. Mr Simpson says that by cycling he saved the taxpayer £80 last year.
Campaign group Friends of the Earth Scotland praised Mr Simpson’s green efforts.’Great example’Spokeswoman Mary Church said, “Cycling to work is not only good for your health, but it’s great for the health of the planet too. Councillors cycling to work can set a great example and will hopefully encourage others to get on their bike.
“Employers can do their bit too, by providing convenient, secure cycle parking, showers and other facilities to make cycling to work an even easier and more pleasant option.”
The Taxpayers’ Alliance gave Mr Simpson a grudging thumbs up.
Spokeswoman Emma Boon said, “It’s great that councillors are trying to keep their expenses down, but offering 20p a mile for those who cycle is over-generous.”
A council spokeswoman said, “We encourage all staff and elected officials to use sustainable transport wherever possible.”