IT SEEMS we never get bored of pointing out the stark difference between us Brits and our European brothers and sisters.

We have all been involved in conversations about how European cities work... while in the UK they don’t.

In Blighty, a train can’t get from A to B on time, and it costs you an arm and a leg to do it.

Roads are traffic clogged and airport terminals a nightmare. Transport is a pain.

So, we welcome plans for a bike hire scheme for Oxford, but the cynic in us thinks it just won’t work.

Similar borrow-a-bicyle systems have been rolled out with success in Holland, Germany and France.

They offer a cheap and clean way of scooting around the city.

But how long before the bikes are swiped or vandalised?

There are many people who just can’t be trusted to make it work for everyone else.

A real sea-change in attitudes will need to happen to make sure it is a success.