You obviously haven't experienced the latest Rovers. They're a bit nice, and the standard of engineering looks like they'll hold together reliably for a good few years.

Me, I ride my bike to as many places as possible. I run an electronic components sales / distribution company, and when customers need a visit I use the car. The rest of the time I try to use a decent, comfortable road bike as much as possible. Sure it's not too comfortable in really bad weather, but so what? Skin's waterproof, and I've got warm, light clothing.

I probably cycle between 50 and 80 miles a week, sometimes much more. I save a fortune in fuel and get a bit of exercise too. The bad news is breathing the pollution, trying to avoid being knocked off my bike by those who don't see me or perhaps prefer to drive motor vehicles on cycle lanes, and generally trying to stay upright.

It's a lot of fun, and although it's not for everyone, I really enjoy cycling and being able to avoid much of the traffic congestion. If like DtG you need to do loads of business miles perhaps carrying loads of luggage, I just think you're stuffed.

In Manchester we have a tram system (Metrolink). It's a really good way of getting around, BUT whatever the powers that be say, it's expensive. I recently priced a family trip to Manchester to go to the theatre (I nearly had to get a mortgage just for the tickets). The Metrolink was just plain stupidly expensive. I'm afraid we used the car.

The bus system in South Manchester is a rather bad joke, it so unreliable that it simply is not a credible alternative to getting around. Since that 'Bloody Woman' deregulated the bus transport system in the 1980s, the road traffic situation has deteriorated to an unbelievable state. There was a time (when I was young...!) that you would see loads of buses carrying people to work and back. Because the buses don't provide a sensible, reliable and affordable service any more, the commuter ends up using his car, hence the severe and deteriorating traffic congestion we now experience.

Anyway it's nearly 7.15pm and I've missed the Archers. I'll get off my high horse and onto my bicycle for the trip home via the local Indian takeaway. I'm starving.

Drive safe.

John