THERE seem to be a flurry of Cycling campaigns at the moment, no bad thing, the more pressure on the Government to improve cycling facilities the better.

The Times newspaper has been running with their Make Britain cyclesafe campaign, using the witty slogan “Love London, Go Dutch” to forward their aims in the next mayoral election.

And who can forget our own Cyclox, the Cycling Campaign for Oxford, which, like other local campaigns, continues the pressure for better facilities in our cities.

Disappointingly, these campaigns are run by cyclists, for cyclists, and let’s face it, only really get noticed by people who already cycle.

I love the idea of mass Dutch-style cycling culture in the UK, but sober up quite quickly from this utopian dream when I remember most people in this country still consider bicycles akin to children’s toys.

Rather than recognise the ingenuity of this simple invention and the wonderful ways it can enhance your life, they see it as embarrassing, dangerous or perhaps too nerdy or old-fashioned to fit into their 21st century life. But who can blame them when the Government does nothing to persuade them otherwise?

Coupled with the constant media attention highlighting the dangers of cycling, it’s no wonder they’re scared senseless and would rather travel in a metal box for the rest of their lives.

The “Go Dutch” campaign is great in theory, but the depressing thing is it took the Dutch 40 years to get to where they are now, and a lot of money.

I consider myself lucky living in Oxford. Cycling a bike is normal, albeit not yet the primary mode of transport.

But I get angry when the Government once again palms us off with soft measures such as Bikeability or another Cycle to Work Scheme instead of cycle lanes.

Bikeability is just the good old cycling proficiency test revamped and given a trendy name to entice the new generation, and the Cycle to Work Scheme is a tax saver way to get yourself a new bike and pay monthly through your salary.

All great but only shows the Government will help us get a bike, show us how to ride it, but have totally forgotten to provide somewhere to safely ride it.

At least this year has seen some serious debate in Westminster thanks to The Times’ campaign, and I give my thanks to Oxford East MP Mr Andrew Smith for representing Oxford and proposing good ways to fund more cycle tracks.

Unfortunately, my MP Nicola Blackwood, who represents Oxford West & Abingdon, was not there. I don’t think she even cycles, which means she probably missed the campaigns as well.

A campaign is a good start, though, and I am glad to see it having some success.