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A Birmingham councillor’s claims that cycling is “discriminatory” have drawn derision from across social media today.

Coun Deirdre Alden (Con, Edgbaston) made the comments at the Edgbaston District committee responding to a £23 million scheme intended to transform cycling in Birmingham.

The councillor said the “vast majority” of cyclists on the city’s roads are “young, white men”, adding: “It is a discriminatory form of transport .”

The views, revealed on the front page of this week’s Birmingham Post, have been mocked throughout the city and beyond on social media.

Dutch councillor Martina Huijsmans tweeted: “lol! Can’t believe this! In The Netherlands people cycle with normal clothes on and without helmets. Even the prime minister!”

Closer to home, Russell Williams said on the Post’s Facebook page : “I am somewhat disgusted by this statement. It looks narrow minded and old fashioned. Has the councillor not visited other cities where there is a proper cycle path network and seen the diverse mix of people who adopt cycling as the preferred mode of transport and further, if the cycle path network is to “Get White young men” out of their cars is that not a result for everyone as less cars, less pollution and less congestion for everyone so all are winners.”

Fellow Facebook commentor Rob Mills added: “Is this some kind of wind up? Cause tell you what it’s working.”