After last week’s efforts, in which I hoped to get both you and your bike ready for an excursion, this week I propose to let you loose on the roads.

Well actually lanes, tracks or anywhere that’s pleasant to cycle without too many other vehicles. Perhaps this isn’t the place to mention, that potentially, you could be sharing this tiny Island’s roads with 108,000 other vehicles.

That old chestnut about only having a few yards between each vehicle, if they were all on the road at once, is probably true. But, being realistic, what are the chances of 16 fire engines, two cement mixing lorries, ten motorcycle sidecar outfits and 172 mechanical loaders all being on the road at once, never mind one car buff driving all his cars at once?

So when is the optimum time for a bike ride? Well any time is good, but believe it or not, there are periods when the roads are almost deserted. And that doesn’t necessarily mean 4.30 am, though early in the morning, especially on a Sunday, has got to get my vote as the best time for a quiet, traffic free opportunity to enjoy the countryside.

I remember cycling out of Argenton in France. It was just after daybreak, the early morning mist was everywhere, and I had to look twice as I cycled past a cow leaning against a small shed, fast asleep. If you aren’t so good at early mornings, then try early evening, when the rush hour traffic has subsided.

Having decided on a suitable time to set out, where is the best, most traffic free place to go? That’s a bit more difficult to pinpoint, as residents of the town and more urban areas will probably have busy roads to negotiate before they can find somewhere quiet. If that’s the case, consider walking with your bike to a spot that is relatively traffic free, before you start cycling.

If you live in town, Liberation Square is a good starting point. Once across the pedestrian crossing you’re on Route 1 of the Cycle Network which will take you to La Corbiere, St Peter’s Village or past the starting points for Route 2, up Waterworks Valley; Route 4, up to St John’s Church and Route 6, to St Ouen’s Bay. If you live in the north of St Helier, you could start at the beginning of Vallée des Vaux on Route 5 or at the beginning of Route 7 which goes along Grands Vaux.

For those on the eastern side, use Route 1 and set off from La Blinerie Lane. Most of these routes will meet Route 3, which runs directly across the Island from Gorey to St Ouen and eventually they will arrive at Route 1, the 40-mile around Island loop. If you live in the country, try the closest Green Lane or Cycle Network route near you.

There is something which would give you the freedom to start your ride wherever you wanted to, and that is a bicycle rack for your car. Simply attach the rack to your car, load up, and set off. They generally only take a few minutes to fit, most racks take two or three bikes and they will often fit a few different makes of car.

And finally how often should you cycle? I know that finding the time can be difficult, but if you managed to get out two or three times a week, it would be a good starting point. Just remember to start gently, and if in any doubt about your health, consult your doctor!

Braking (late) News

£7,600 compensation for Berkshire cyclist
Ian Davis was unlucky enough to be thrown from his bike when he hit a pothole, on his way from Lambourne to Newbury. In addition to broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder, he suffered hand and hip injuries. As Mr Davis was a member of the Cyclists’ Touring Club, he called their Accident Helpline, who took up his case. Chris Peck, a spokesman for the CTC, said that this type of accident clearly shows why potholes should be mended as soon as possible, and why cyclists and other road users should report potholes to the website www.fillthat hole.org.uk.

£9.2 billion for London’s Transport improvements
The next two years are looking good for cyclists in the capital. Transport for London has said that it proposes to spend £9.2 billion on improving facilities in London. This money will be spent on rail, tube and cycling initiatives that include a hire scheme and ‘cycle highways’. The chairman of Transport for London, and keen cyclist, Boris Johnson said that these initiatives will ‘revolutionise’ cycling in London.

• Arthur Lamy is the manager of Boudins for Bikes, in Sand Street, and author of Jersey Cycles. He has spent 15 years as a tourist guide and writer, and is also a keen photographer. More information can be found on his website: www.arthurlamy.com/