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Save the world
Cycling is one of the most environmentally sound means of transport. It converts energy to motion very efficiently - the energy efficiency of cycling is estimated as the equivalent of a car doing 1600 miles on a gallon of petrol!

You can park ten bicycles in the space required for one car.

In York, Oxford and Lowestoft, cycling accounts for 20-30% of commuting journeys. These towns have embraced cycling (unhindered by Howard De Walden Estates I suppose) but are still a long way behind the Netherlands, where 30-50% of all urban journeys are cycled - the town of Houten was designed with bicycles in mind and the figure for local journeys cycled there is 80%.

With 72% of journeys under five miles, 50% under two miles, there's plenty of scope to increase cycling within current travel patterns. The National Cycling Strategy offers a new approach to help organisations and individuals to change conditions and attitudes, campaigning for a shift of resources to traffic management schemes that take account of cyclists.

But I'm too unfit and it's too dangerous
Your fencemaster is middle aged, likes a pint, doesn't do any exercise or sport, and finds cycling 25 miles per day easy. OK, so it took a few months to get used to it..

Many people perceive cycling to be dangerous but, as in other activities, danger can be minimised by following a few sensible guidelines. Like all other road-users, cyclists should know and obey the Highway Code. This means riding carefully and considerately, obeying traffic laws and signs. The most common criticism of cyclists is that they do not observe other traffic or signal their intentions. Use cycle lanes where provided. Stop at red lights - especially pedestrian crossings. Oh yes, Zebra crossings...

When your Fencemaster is out taking a stroll with the lovely Mrs Fencemaster and the three junior Fencemasters (or Fencesters), he finds it most annoying when we are all nearly mown down on a Zebra crossing by an errant cyclist who thinks the traditional 'stopping for pedestrians' kind-of activity associated with such things doesn't include him.

Motorists need to be more aware of cyclists and recognise that, far from being a nuisance, each bicycle means one less car in front of them. When they are educated thus, and cyclists all behave more responsibly too (by not tearing through red lights and over pedestrian crossings) cars and bicycles should coexist mroe happily.

Be seen - be safe
From an environmental point of view, the small amount of space occupied by cyclists is a benefit but it inevitably makes them less visible. It's vital that individual cyclists take responsibility for their own safety by making themselves as visible as possible, using reflective clothing and cycle accessories. At night, a white front-light and red rear-light are essential, even for the shortest journey.
Many accidents involving cyclists are caused by other road-users, but this is no comfort for the cyclist, who usually comes off worst. Monitor traffic all the time, with particular care when approaching junctions and before making manoeuvres. Avoid drinking before cycling; although it's less irresponsible towards others than driving, it puts the cyclist at greater risk.

Some kind of hat might be in order
Wear a cycle helmet. They help keep your head warm in winter and the air flow through the holes means your head does not get hot in summer. They also help stop you from dying if you have an accident. Some people don't wear helmets, such as women who don't want to mess up their hair, children who are too stupid, and men who are too cool or too hard for a helmet. In the event of an accident these people are far more likely to suffer serious head trauma.

Here are some statistics (of which there are a lot surrounding cycling and none of them seem to agree):

The above helmet stats are from our cousins in the US, where there are around 58 million active cyclists.

Wear a properly fitted helmet.