CITY leaders rode their bikes across the city to find the problems facing cyclists.

Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle joined chiefs from Brighton and Hove City Council for the ride-along organised by campaign group Bricycles.

Starting off at The Level, a bike swarm including the city's decision-makers headed along the seafront before heading up to Preston Park.

The aim of the cycle ride was to identify issues surrounding the city's current cycling infrastructure.

Speaking near Marrocco's, the chief of the council's transport committee, Amy Heley, said: "I think everywhere is an issue, it's a nightmare.

"The Valley Gardens cycle lanes are the best, they feel the most complete, which is fantastic that they've been done.

"The temporary cycle lane that we have just been on is amazing, it's so much better than the prom, but obviously it's only temporary so there are lots of improvements we would like to make.

"It's really highlighting how dangerous it is in the city and how far behind we are a lot of other modern cities."

When asked what the long-term vision is to address the issues, she said: "We want to completely make everywhere as safe as possible for every type of user.

"I think a big part of that should be a complete re-look at the seafront.

"Currently four lanes of traffic on our busiest tourist attraction and a massive commuter corridor is not appropriate for the 21st century and it's a priority for us to look at that."

The ride was organised by Chris Williams from Bricycles and left the Level at 3pm and went down the new cycle tracks on Valley Gardens.

It then went towards the Aquarium Roundabout, which he described as a "frightening experience" even for experienced cyclists with multiple lanes of cars, lorries and buses passing at speed.

The group then cycled westwards along the seafront, experiencing the two-way track that "snakes in and out of pedestrians".

While at Kings Esplanade, the "cycle swarm" spotted a sports car driving along the cycle lane.

Mr Williams added: "This isn't about pandering to a small group of people called cyclists, but opening up a form of transport, exercise and leisure to a potentially huge group of people by making it safe, easy and attractive."

The group then went from Hove Street into Church Road, using a junction Mr Williams said "desperately needs a redesign, as you have to sit in the middle of heavy traffic to turn".

They then head eastwards back into Brighton, along Western Road and down North Street, before heading northwards to Preston Park.

This part of the journey, Mr Williams said, often felt unsafe, as the road width "varied constantly".

All councillors and MPs in the city have been invited on a bike ride Bricycles, who left the choice of date to them.

Organisers said they were disappointed that Conservative councillors did not join them on Sunday afternoon's ride.

Labour MP Mr Russell-Moyle said: "I always enjoy myself on the seafront in Brighton - and I enjoy cycling when I can.

"Clearly there are lots of issues around junctions, signage, but also space.

"Where we were cycling at that bit in front of the pier is very dangerous and I've had friends, colleagues, and a partner, who have all broken bones around that area.

"These sort of shared-space areas are not acceptable, they need to go, we need proper delineation."