Cycling only becomes a viable commuting option if it feels safe to do

Which looks like better, the seperated cycle lane where cars and bikes are fully segregated, or the painted lane at the side of a busy city street? Even if you were been to replace your daily drive with a healthier, more environmentally friendly cycle commute, the prospect of riding on the latter cyclepath would surely give you second thoughts.

Worryingly, for most commuters a cyclepath of any sort remains a luxury. More likely, your journey is going to be made up of roads with no segregation of traffic at all, not even the minimal security of a painted line. Relying on the good grace and skill of drivers isn't an attractive prospect for cyclists who are aware of how many of their number are killed and injured on the roads each year.

If municipalities are serious about enticing drivers out of their cars then they need to address the safety of cyclists. They can do this with the creation of more dedicated cyclepaths with physical segregation between bikes and cars and by implementing lower speed limits on roads where this isn't possible.

Ebikes, electric scooters and cycles offer potential to fundamentally change the way we travel in and use cities; reducing parking provision means more space can be allocated for people. Improved air quality, lower noise levels and improved health would all be side benefits.

None of this is possible without creating a safe environment for cyclists of all ages to enjoy. Several European cities have shown that this can be done, it's a lesson which other cities around the world would do well to learn.