More than 100 cyclists took to the roads in protest at the amount of cars clogging roads.

The Critical Mass bike ride was the latest action by a global protest movement which aims to promote environmentally-friendly forms of travel.

Cyclists from around the world gather on the last Friday of every month to assert the right of cyclists to use the road.

At 6pm yesterday the cyclists of all ages descended on The Level in Brighton, forcing cars to give way to pedal power.

The aim was to highlight the sustainable, environmentally-friendly value of using cycles over cars. Members hoped the show of strength would convince motorists to ditch their cars in favour of bicycles.

They say congestion on roads, scarce parking spaces and pollution should convince people that bicycles, not cars, are the future.

Cyclist Andy Rowe said: "This is a celebration of Cycling by people fed up with traffic jams, particularly in Brighton where it has got so bad.

"We gather on the last Friday of every month and we simply ride with no organiser or any pre-determined route."

Another cyclist said: "We want more people in their cars to consider using bicycles, which are sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

"This isn't a demonstration or a protest. It's just a way of raising awareness of the benefits of cycling as opposed to car use."

Peter Paniei said: "We are trying to convince people by doing things like this that cars are bad and bicycles are good.

"I think people have got to the point now in Brighton where you can't find proper parking and are constantly caught in traffic jams. Cycling is one way of avoiding all this."

The gathering came as cyclists in Brighton and Hove celebrated winning £3 million to improve bicycle services in the city.

The city has become one of five trailblazing cycling hot spots with extra routes and facilities over the next three years.

The Department of Transport will award an annual grant of £500,000 match funded by Brighton and Hove City Council to turn the city into a European centre of excellence for cycling.

However, last night some cyclists said more should be done.

Hannah Barker, 33, said: "This announcement is welcomed but it does not go far enough.

"Not enough is being done to convince people that cycling is more environmentally-friendly and sustainable."