Contrary to the image many people have of cycling (sadly, attitudes that would be easily reinforced by some members of cycling forums), it is not compulsory to be any of the following ...

A fitness freak obsessed with lycra, times, speeds, cadence, pace-lines, and finding the optimum blend of eggs, bananas and oatmeal to enable them to 'drop' other cyclists on hills ...

An eco-warrior out to save the planet from the evils of motorised vehicles ...

A lawless lout with complete disregard for the Highway Code and who would rather mow down a granny than ease off the pace for five seconds ...

A Freecycle-obsessed anti-capitalist who looks down on anyone who didn't find their bike frame in a skip and then build it up with recycled components rescued from bins or fashioned from empty Coke cans ...

A smug git who considers themselves morally superior to the rest of us because they choose to use their bike for everything from the weekly shop to moving home ...

It is, in fact, perfectly lawful to cycle because it's fun. It is even legal to smile while doing it. It is permitted to prefer cycling on roads, and it is permitted to prefer cycling on cycle paths. You're allowed to put your bike on the back of your car in order to cycle somewhere scenic. There is no prohibition on being both a petrol-head and a keen cyclist.

I cycle because I enjoy doing so. For some journeys, it's also the quickest form of transport. And the fact that it helps keep me fit(ter than I would otherwise be) is a pleasant bonus.

Roads are there to be shared by all road users: a little bit of mutual courtesy goes a long way. Drivers need to be patient while awaiting a safe opportunity to overtake a cyclist, and cyclists can make that overtake easier by easing off or pulling in when appropriate. And a little 'thank you' wave or quick flash of the hazards does no harm at all.