Miscellaneous

Most of us learn to cycle when we are young - but the thrill of pulling a wheelie on your Raleigh Chopper may not seem so attractive when you are grown up.

In fact, some adults are so terrified that they forget how to ride altogether, and certainly wouldn't want to try their luck at commuting to work on a regular basis.

RideWise

Since 2004, RideWise has been taking the fear out of cycling, offering training for adults and children.

But, according to co-ordinator Chris Lycell, it's a far cry from the days of the traffic cones and green triangular badges associated with the old cycling proficiency test.

"The problem with cycling proficiency in the past is that children were taught it in a playground and that filled them with an abstract sense of fear. Our aim is to get people cycling on quiet roads to get to their destinations."

Jon Snow gets on his bike

The scheme operates around the country, but Nottingham is one of the few places where it's available free to most residents, largely thanks to support from local authorities and the Primary Care Trust.

Celebrity endorsement

More recently RideWise received an endorsement from Channel Four newscaster Jon Snow, who is also President of the Cyclists Touring Club.

"Cycling's my workhorse. If you live in a city, if you ride a bicycle you will save eons of time. I reckon I save an hour and a half every working day by having a bicycle."