THE most common reason for not cycling in Oxford is poor road surfaces, according to a Cyclox survey in February. I'd expected complaints to be dominated by the weather, cycle routes that end just as you most need them, or feeling intimidated by traffic - not bumpy roads. So let's look at these problems: Bumpy roads: the good news is - it's easy to get them fixed. You can call Oxfordshire highways on 0845 310 1111 or report the problem online at www.oxfordshirehighways.org An alternative, that in my experience works better, is the CTC's www.fillthathole.org.uk - they'll report the problem and keep you updated about its status.

The weather: there's not much we can do about the rain and wind. I wouldn't blame any cyclist for ditching their scuba gear and getting the bus in the recent gales. Even my dog refused to go out for a walk this morning.

Roads to nowhere: too many cycle routes in Oxfordshire do stop when you least want them to, it's true. Some routes are haphazard, to say the least.

Until 2006, Cyclox was in talks with the county council about joining up the routes in the city to form a coherent network of fast direct routes, as well as slower back-street routes for the less confident.

Let's hope that someone at County Hall finds the enthusiasm and the funds for continuing this important project, and soon.

Intimidating traffic: this problem often feels totally intractable. There are more and more cars every day and as they vie for road space, guess who loses out? Even if you feel despondent about whizzing wheezing cars, remember that we can tackle it by getting out there and standing up for ourselves. The key is speed. Let me explain.

A vehicle's speed makes all the difference between intimidating a cyclist or not. A truck or bus might overtake you on Magdalen Bridge at a sensible 20mph and it can pass fairly closely without causing a dangerous whoosh of air, or making you feel scared.

But if they pass you at 30 mph at close quarters, it feels horrible and, of course, it can be dangerous.

Similarly, in residential streets, if cars are doing a similar speed to bikes, it means that they aren't trying to squeeze past you. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen cyclists literally driven into parked cars by drivers impatient to pass them, especially up a hill such as Divinity Road. A blanket 20mph limit on all the city's streets would make a world of difference to cyclists and it would help motorists as well. I'll make the case for a 20mph city in this column in a fortnight's time.

In the meantime, let's praise the city council, which has decided to spend £1,000 on speed guns for everyone who has had enough of rushing traffic dominating their neighbourhoods.

It's time for communities to hit back at what is eroding them. Community groups and residents' associations will be able to borrow the speed guns soon, probably via their local city council area committee.

Look out for those speedguns. Use them.