It's time to get on your bike as part of National Cycle Week. Today we look at how Southampton is embracing the two-wheeled culture...

IN an age of cars and public transport, getting on your bike is not something that many of us consider as an option.

Cycle use in the UK has been declining as a form of transport in recent years. This contrasts with some of our European neighbours where deliberate programmes for action have successfully increased the share of trips by cycle.

Cycling accounts for less than two per cent of trips in the UK, compared to ten per cent in Sweden, 11 per cent in Germany, 15 per cent in Switzer-land and 18 per cent in Denmark.

The National Cycling Strategy (NCS) was launched in July 1996 by the government. It aims to establish a culture favourable to the increased use of bicycles for all age groups; to develop sound policies and good practice and seek out effective and innovative means of fostering accessibility by bike.

The central target is to quadruple the number of cycle trips on 1996 figures by 2012.

This will bring cycle use in the UK to the levels already found in Sweden and Germany, suggesting that the target is a realistic one.

For many people, the journey to work can be one of the easiest to transfer to a bicycle. It involves a regular journey that can be planned and has a range of benefits. Employees find it an excellent opportunity to fit exercise into their daily life, improving their fitness and overall health. Cycling offers a low-cost commuting option and for many people in urban areas can actually be quicker than a car. Congestion is not a problem for the cyclist.

Budding cyclists at Ordnance Survey, one of Southampton's largest employers, are encouraged to ride to work. Ordnance Survey already promotes cycling and other alternatives to the car in its corporate travel plan.

More than five per cent of its 1,280 headquarters staff regularly takes advantage of the secure, covered bike storage facilities, on-site changing rooms, lockers and hot showers. Now, the mapping agency is cranking up enthusiasm with a range of material on its intranet pages, as well as an information stand in the main reception of its Romsey Road offices.

"We're highlighting the health and environmental advantages of cycling to work," said Isabel Sargent, Ordnance Survey's bicycle user group co-ordinator.

"There are also details of our Bike buddies scheme and a range of practical advice on things like cycle routes and bike maintenance."

This week, bike doctors from Cycle World Wessex will be on site to provide Ordnance Survey's cyclists with free advice and bicycle check-ups. Today, the mapping agency is peddling special incentives for map-makers who leave their cars at home.

Cyclists arriving at work will be handed a short questionnaire, and everyone who completes the form will be rewarded with a free map and a meal voucher for the staff restaurant."

Cycling is a viable alternative to driving for most of the journeys that people make," added Isabel.

"As well as helping reduce pollution and congestion, cycling is an excellent way to get fit and lose weight. And, of course, it's also superb fun."

So why should people cycle? Well, cycling is good for your health, helps protect our environment and is a relatively inexpensive way of getting around the city compared to the private motor car.

Cycling can increase your strength, stamina and level of aerobic fitness, dramatically lowering the risk of coronary heart disease and strokes. A number of clinical studies have shown that regular cyclists enjoy fitness levels equivalent to those of individuals up to ten years younger.

Using your bike is not just good for you - it benefits the environment as well. Cycling is quiet and pollution free. More than 70 per cent of all journeys made in the UK are less than five miles and about half are under two miles. With practice, most people could easily ride these distances.

Pete Brunskill, cycling officer at Southampton City Council said: "South-ampton has quite a reasonable network of cycle routes, but we are improving them all the time.

"We now have a dedicated sweeper to keep the cycle paths clean and to remove obstacles - this is the first in the country.

"In July we will be launching a police cycle unit. This will be five officers who will be patrolling the city on mountain bikes.

"There are two main reasons why people should get on their bikes. Firstly it is a good form of sustainable transport and is good for the environment.

"Secondly, it is a healthy activity and with so much concern about the public's levels of fitness and health, it is something that is easily incorporated into your day-to-day lifestyle.

"You don't need to make time to go to the gym when you could ride to work or school."