On Saturday, I finally tested my cycling ability (and new midlife-crisis carbon-fibre bike) at the Virgin Cyclone Sportive – 64 miles around Northumberland and including the notorious Ryals climb – hence the grimace in the pic! I did much better than I expected, coming 83rd fastest out of the 855 who finished this circuit [head swells alarmingly] – not that it’s a race. No.

Actually, I’m just as delighted about my eldest son suddenly getting the cycling bug, with a ‘can we go on our bikes’ a constant refrain. With the younger two already keen, and their mother enjoying a tootle on two wheels too, the Kane family is gearing up for many enjoyable days out.

And next week I’m off down to the big smoke with my Councillor hat on to see the ‘mini-Holland’ in Waltham Forest to learn how to bring cycling to more people here in Newcastle. All in all, I’m spending a lot of time on or thinking about bikes.

Cycling is, obviously, the best thing in the world. It is low carbon, healthy, promotes clean air, cheap (unless you’re a middle aged man…), supports local services, creates convivial communities – the list goes on. And, compared to many solutions to the climate crisis, it’s a pretty easy way to engage with your employees. Decent bike storage, showers and lockers will go a long way to promote cycling to work. Working with local authorities to improve cycle links to your premises can lead to even bigger gains. Providing maps, maintenance courses and organising cycle events can help even further.

Are you cycle friendly? You should be.

“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” – H. G. Wells