Climate change protesters say they are being forced into 'civil disobedience' to be heard after announcing plans to host another slow cycle through Newcastle.

Activist group Extinction Rebellion (XR) will be taking to the roads again on Friday morning in a bid to cause rush hour disruption.

In April, dozens of cyclists caused delays around Newcastle Central Station and the Tyne Bridge with the demonstration before going to a rally outside Gateshead Council, where they wanted a climate emergency called.

(Image: Chronicle)

A "slow cycle" protest was postponed by the group in June due to leaders not wanting to interfere with school exams planned on the same day.

Later that month, around 100 campaigners formed a human chain on Gosforth High Street to draw attention to what they say are inadequate cycle facilities.

Now the group has now announced a 'carbon cycle' protest calling on Newcastle City Council 'to take rapid, ambitious action' and adopt specific commitments following its declaration of a climate emergency.

They say 'ordinary citizens are obliged to resort to civil disobedience' in a bid to make their feelings known to the authority.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Liz Sidebotham, project manager and mum of two from Gosforth said: "We are highlighting the need for the council to provide cycle routes that people feel safe to use.

"This means that people can take up cycling confidently as a way of cheaply and quickly getting around the city, saving money and improving their own health.

"By providing an alternative to using a car this will help tackle the air pollution that is causing 200 deaths per year in Newcastle.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

"Making cycling a safe, attractive and convenient option opens up opportunities for people who can’t afford to run a car, or who can’t afford public transport."

The cyclists will depart at 7.15am from Newcastle Racecourse, western entrance (on the B1318 in North Brunton).

Walkers will join them outside the Regent Centre and the protest will end at Newcastle Civic Centre at around 9.30am.

The group says that, with the cooperation of Northumbria Police , they will make way for emergency vehicles and buses.