Cyclists 'a pretty special bunch'

WE BRITS think cyclists are more intelligent and charitable than the average person, according to a new report.

A study for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) found that sportsmen and women generally were more attractive than celebrities, with most qualities attributed to cyclists.

The survey of 600 adults also showed that two thirds admitted to liking lycra.

The BHF commissioned the research to mark the opening of registration for its annual London to Brighton bike ride in June - the biggest charity bike ride in Europe.

Nancy Prior, head of events at BHF, said: "We see over 28,000 riders descend on the capital for our London to Brighton Bike Ride each year to raise much needed funds for life-saving heart research, so we have always known that cyclists are a pretty special bunch.

“These results just confirm that the rest of the nation feels the same."

AA president Edmund King, himself a keen cyclist, said: "The AA patrols and staff who regularly take part in the London-Brighton Bike Ride for the British Heart Foundation will be delighted that it has been confirmed that we already knew - that they are pretty special.”

“Indeed, many cyclists are drivers and vice versa."

By Press Association reporter