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It's true you never forget how to ride a bike. I know, because after not riding a bike for 15 years, I hopped on one and cycled off down the street. It was fantastic.

As a child I rode my bike everywhere; it was that or walk, and riding was much faster. Then I learned to drive, the bike was relegated to the garage to rust and eventually thrown out. Fifteen years later I decided I'd like another go; I remembered the fabulous feeling of zooming down hills at breakneck speed (well, it felt like breakneck speed to an eleven year old!) and the satisfaction of getting back up the other side without getting off to push. And after all, cycling is cheaper than driving, more environmentally friendly and it would help me lose weight and get fit. What other incentive is required?

There might be more traffic on the roads now than when I was a child, but there are also many, many more, and better, facilities for cyclists, such as cycle lanes on roads, dedicated off road cycle tracks, cycle parking and much more. So there is no reason to be scared of riding; just build up slowly until you've got your confidence, and away you go.

Your very first step on your cycling career is to find a good bike shop. The advisors in the bike shop will help you to find the perfect bike for you. Your perfect bike will be one that suits the type of riding you want to do, as well as being one that is comfortable for you to ride and the right size and "fit", so you don't injure yourself when riding. Getting the right bike is crucially important; if you are happy and comfortable on it, then you will enjoy riding it, if not, you won't!

When you are in the bike shop, you may well be dazzled by the array of gear available, from spare parts and accessories to clothing. Not all of this is essential to start out with. Again, talk to the bike shop owner as he will be able to advise what you need to get you going, and what you can buy later if your cycling progresses.

So, fully equipped with a great new bike and a couple of accessories, you need to start actually riding. If you haven't ridden a bike since your childhood, you might feel a bit nervous at first. Find a quiet place to have a go, perhaps a local park or playing field, then at least if you fall off you'll have a safe, soft landing. Not that you're likely to fall off, but knowing that you won't hurt yourself if you do gives you extra confidence.

Don't overdo it at first. Your "cycling muscles" may be a bit out of shape, so build up your time in the

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