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"On your bike" is a phrase used in British politics as a metaphor. But Egypt's new president, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, means it literally: he wants more Egyptians to cycle – and to show he means business he took hundreds of cyclists, including a group of public figures, on a rally through Cairo at 5.30am on Friday, the Guardian reported.

A set of surreal photographs showed a helmetless Sisi straddling a Peugeot bicycle at the head of a vast swath of all-male bikers as he led them – like a puffing, peddling Pied Piper – through the streets of Cairo.

"This is the only way to build Egypt," he said in a speech before the rally, claiming that cyclists would save Egypt money. The average two-way bike trip costs the state about £1.30 less than if the same trip was by car, Sisi said. Egypt spent E£170bn (£14bn), or about a fifth of its budget, on energy subsidies – a bill it can no longer afford.

Sisi's move was met with some bemusement in Egypt, where Cairo in particular is seen as hell for those on bicycles and temperatures can reach 46C (116F). But he was naturally welcomed by a small but growing band of cyclists.

"Of course it's great," said Ahmed El-Dorghamy, co-founder of Cairo Cycler's Club, who says the capital's flat terrain and sunny weather has the makings of a safe place to cycle. "We are always trying to get celebrities to join us – and the ultimate goal is to get ministers and even presidents." Increased bike use, he said, could help counter a rising obesity problem – Egypt is the seventh fattest country in the world – as well as chronic traffic jams and an unsustainable fuel subsidies bill.

Others were less convinced: in Egypt, driving a car is often dangerous enough. According to the World Health Organisation, there are 42 annual road deaths per 100,000 Egyptians – compared with just 2.75 in Britain.

There are no cycle lanes, drivers rarely adhere to lane discipline or road markings, and pedestrians have to step into the path of oncoming traffic to force cars to allow them to cross a road.