PROTESTERS ON bicycles forced a go-slow on back roads then attempted to close down the Press entrance to the G8 summit at Gleneagles yesterday.

They faced down uniformed police at the outer cordon, but the protest passed off without trouble.

The action by the group called the G8 Cyclists caused disruption on roads between Kinkell Bridge and Auchterarder.

The group had cycled from Brighton to make a non-violent protest and staged an end-of-cycle celebration at gates of the cordon.

They struck early to cause maximum problems for those heading towards the G8. At around 8 am they began a walking-pace cycle around the minor roads surrounding the complex.

Their action was made more effective because of the major protests on the A9 and the traffic problems cause by the Stirling shutdown.

Two groups, each consisting of about 20 cyclists and one ahead of the other, spread out across the B and unclassified roads to prevent vehicles passing.

With music blaring and travelling at a maximum of 4 mph, they made frequent stops to hinder traffic.

On-coming traffic was allowed to pass but the protesters then moved quickly to close any gaps.

Police allowed them to continue their action along a section of the A823 leading to the hotel.

When they reached the Press entrance the cyclists met a line of uniformed officers, backed by a line of riot police.

Standing by in reserve were 20 vans, many protected with riot grilles, containing teams of officers.

One of the cyclists made an address to his group marking the end of their journey from the south coast.

Many journalists and hotel staff parked their vehicles on verges and made their way on foot into the G8 reception centres.

After allowing the cyclists the chance to protest, police moved them to one side of the road to make way for vehicles.

From early yesterday the extent of the problems facing police became apparent as far as 20 miles from Gleneagles.

Traffic heading south along the Perth by-pass was backed up at the Broxden roundabout where police had closed the A9 south-bound.

There was a heavy police presence, with many officers in riot gear. One said it was unsafe to allow traffic south.

Many heading for Gleneagles opted to negotiate backroads but some were thwarted by protesters.