I’m very pleased to introduce a brand new cycling column which will feature weekly in Family and online.

As a regular cyclist – both as part of my Sustrans role, and for commuting and leisure – I am excited to spread the word on all things cycling in Swindon.

Despite its reputation for infamous roundabouts and strong links to car manufacturing, Swindon has a whole lot going cycling-wise.

With more than 100km of traffic-free cycle paths across the borough (including leafy Route 45 of the National Cycle Network), a Bicycle User Group, local CTC group, mountain bike trail and club, two road clubs, British Cycling’s Sky Rides coming next spring, and more than half a dozen cycle shops thrown in for good measure, we could certainly do a lot worse!

Over the summer the town saw a great number of public cycling events, put on by a variety of organisations, and the vast majority were very well-attended. This was an encouraging indication of the growing level of interest and participation in cycling in Swindon – as both a mode of transport for getting from A to B, and for leisure or fitness.

As we head into colder and darker months, the prospect of taking up or maintaining cycling as a regular activity can be an unsavoury prospect.

Luckily there are a number of ongoing local schemes which may help: Swindon Travel Choices website has a new Journey Planner tool, which allows you to plot a cycle journey anywhere in the Borough, ideal if you’re just starting out. You can even choose whether you would like the quietest or fastest route. See www.swindontravel choices.co.uk for full details.

Recycles can loan bicycles to anyone living or working in Swindon free of charge for an eight-week period, to see if regular cycling is for you. Head to www.recycles-swindon.co.uk or call 01793 401834 for more information.

Swindon Travel Choices is continuing to run cycle maintenance classes, perfect for learning the basics such as how to repair a puncture, and keeping your bike in a safe condition through the winter. See www.swindontravelchoices. co.uk for full details.

In future columns I look forward to talking more about commuting by bike, how to ‘be safe and be seen’, getting involved with the local cycling clubs, and local cycling events to suit all ages and abilities.

For more information on any of Sustrans’ local work, email swindon@sustrans.org.uk. Sustrans is a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day.