Following a non-scientific survey by me on the streets outside this building one lunchtime I can now reveal that motorists hate cyclists, cyclists hate motorists, pedestrians hate motorists and cyclists but cyclists hate pedestrians back so basically everyone hates each other. Trouble is, motorists know that they can transform their travelling enemies into roadkill with but a small amount of pressure on the accelerator pedal and walk away with little more than a ticking off from the authorities. The king of the urban jungle packs an internal combustion engine and there's nothing we can do. Is there?
Well, in a world where oil is running out and in a country proudly useless at public transport, it won't be long before the bicycle is the only way of getting around. (I have relatives who thought nothing of cycling from Essex to the Lake District in the 1950s.)
It's heartening to see then that this summer there are series of cycling events that involve cars being banned from four of our major cities. On one level it'll be a fun day out with friends and family whizzing around the city on your bike and on another, you'll get a first-hand taste of the future.
But it's not just for hardcore cyclists. It's for everyone (with a bike).
If (ridiculous analogy to follow) you've seen the film 28 Days Later and like the idea of a city without the constant din of car traffic is an intriguing one, Skyride is for you too.
It's taking place in August and September on the streets of Manchester, Leicester, Glasgow and London, which will become 'bike-only zones for a day of fun for the family'.
It's free. And it's liberating. It's also - rather ironically - sponsored by a subscription television channel, which offers the kind of deals that encourage you to stay in and watch as much telly as possible to get your money's worth. Never mind. Make an effort. Check out:
Now read: Commuting doesn't need to be this bad, there are tax breaks for cycling
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