NOT many people would want to have a cycle lane down the length of the M4, nor send extra white lines round the Magic Roundabout or the Bruce Street Bridges.

But when you think about it, the number of cycle lanes in this town is fairly pathetic. While that is criticism, I don't think that Swindon is unusual for a town of its type in Britain - certain places such as Oxford and Cambridge have become more cycle-friendly for historical reasons - but this country is awful for cyclists as a whole.

The bulk routes flagged up are either existing footpaths or on roads. You simply don't feel that safe round here.

Some areas are great. The Swindon to Marlborough route along the old railway line is fantastic, and a model of a safe cyclepath. If you've the stamina, it's not too bad onwards to Newbury, Andover or Salisbury if you're braver and fitter than me.

But considering that gridlock has been a looming problem since the 1980s, we've not got anywhere except slower driving times and more pollution.

And that's why I'm on the side of the cyclists who this week took their protests to Swindon Council, angry that the car has got all the attention in transport plans for the future.

Now, it's agreed that it's not the current council's fault that nothing tangible has been done for years and that the majority of people prefer using cars to cycling. But when you're in a position of influence, by definition you have the power to change how things will be in the future - and you shouldn't hide behind the failings of the past.

Fifteen years ago I was on a school exchange trip to a small town in Germany called Tubingen. Granted, it was much smaller than Swindon but the number of cycle lanes was incredible.

In comparison with a similar-sized English market town there were dozens and dozens, and were so well-respected that even English teenagers on ancient bikes on which you braked by pedalling backwards felt safe going right through the middle of town.

Had anyone in England - or Wiltshire, or Swindon - showed the foresight to get the ball rolling to create something round here 15 years ago we'd be reaping the benefits now, as nobody can complain about cycling or cyclists provided that they are not wobbling around on roads that are already too narrow for a combination of parked and moving cars. If someone took the initiative now, we'd reap the benefits in the future. It really should be as simple as that.

It really shouldn't be a risk to life and limb to travel to Wanborough or Bassett by bike. So let's try to make up for lost time.

4:20pm Friday 7th December 2007

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