Whilst advocates of cycling are vociferous in their support of this mode of transport, their beliefs and motives have so obviously been rejected by the huge majority of the travelling public. How can this simple statement be denied?

It would appear that virtue-signalling politicians and similarly motivated local councillors buy into this ideology, using everyone's money—gleaned via taxation, road traffic fines and suchlike—to create even more miles of rarely used cycle lanes.

I would suggest, as proven in reality, that very few enjoy or prefer to ride a bicycle.

The whole scenario reminds me of the tale of The Emperor’s New Clothes. Everyone "on message" wants to be seen as aware and saying the right thing… until suddenly, some innocent points out the obvious and asks, "What clothes?" Or in this case, "What bike riders?!"

Furthermore, I strongly suspect that our councillors, politicians, and civil servants are not dashing around the city or county from meeting to meeting on their trusty tredder! Nor is the private corporate business sector.

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Have you ever heard of an MP, a local leading councillor, or a civil servant insisting they must have access to the corporate bone shaker? I very much doubt it. Furthermore, if the "company bike" is unavailable, are they then stood in line with the rest of us at the bus stop, waiting for a bus that may not even turn up?

For us peasants, having secured a doctor's appointment two weeks in advance, to then be left deserted at the roadside is, of course, our own fault. Be we sixteen or seventy, we really should have been frantically pedalling our way to the surgery.

In my view, the majority of car users are not lazy, pro-pollution, or anti-cyclist. It is simply a case of work, lifestyle, personal capability, and practicalities.

Surrounding the city are numerous estates and new urban development’s consisting of thousands of dwellings. Other than those in peak physical condition, the ability of the rest to complete multiple journeys in a day by bike is pretty much inconceivable.

Many would likely be beaten on their first "Mini Switzerland" hill climb! With ice-cold gusty winds, unpredictable rain, specialist bikewear, and a bag full of alternative clothing, no wonder many would be out of puff before they'd even had a chance to skip their first red light!

And how does it work socially? I've never been asked off the cuff, "Can I offer you a lift home on my crossbar?" Or when going on a romantic date, does one agree to meet up somewhere on their bike, hoping her glamorous frock doesn’t get caught in the chain?

Furthermore, what happens when going out for a celebratory meal with family or friends? Do six of us sit at the table in sweaty leggings, hi-vis Lycra safety vests, complete with 12 pairs of bicycle clips and six crash helmets (hope no one's had their hair done!), or have we brought suits, gowns, and best clobber to change into?  

Then, after our five-course buffet—including suet pudding and custard—do we somehow all wobble home together at the same time and speed?

I could go on. Whatever the case, suffice to say, I remain unconvinced that we are heading in the right direction of travel.
J Martin
Hedge End