What follows is a short introduction to Essex County Council's views on cycling. This is by way of some background to what follows on the next page. Trust us. You won't be disappointed.

In common with many segments of local government, Essex County Council has in place a 'Cycling Strategy' which purports to provide some research, guidance and support for cycling as a leisure activity and genuine means of transport.

The rhetoric on show offers succour to those who are deprived of genuinely useful facilities and help. Bear in mind these specific quotes before turning the page:

"... change signal junctions and roundabouts in favour of cyclists"

"To create an environment within Essex where people of all ages and abilities feel able to cycle safely, conveniently and pleasantly"

"Some of these factors [why cycling is unattractive] have already been identified in preparing the LTP and include: ... unease about a lack of facilities which enable cycling to be a convenient method of travel"

"The Cycling Strategy should encourage the following actions: ... cycle route design which avoids problem junctions and the proximity to private drives; design of cycle routes to minimise junctions and interruptions for cycling"

Well now, that just sounds super. And then we saw the Warrington Cycle Campaign's 'Facility of the Month' page for September. We have to thank David Owen for letting us use his photograph here - here's a brand-new convenient and uninterrupted Essex cycling facility.