Another new feature for citycycling, looking at those little things, seemingly inconsequential, that make cycling even more of a joy than it already is. We all know about the health benefits, or shorter journey times, or stress release. But get right down into those things on your ride that can bring a smile to your face before you even realise it. Those things that simply make you think 'yes, this is it'.

You know what we mean. Why don't you share yours with us at simple@citycycling.co.uk while we start with speed bumps.

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I've never quite understood why they are called 'sleeping policemen'. I imagine it's something to do with them supposedly slowing down traffic without the need for a real boy in blue to be present on the street. Whatever the reasoning, I love them!

On the bike there are so many reasons to enjoy these little obstructions, not least because with the standard 'hump', i.e. not the hard rubber things that judder like an inverted pothole, you're not slowed down in the slightest when you're on a bike. but more than that. When I'm on a mountain bike, or anything even slightly less 'roadie' than a racer, I actually speed up for them. The inner child is released and the days of setting up a ramp outside my parents' house, using an old bit of board and a toolbox, or even the pouffe from the living room (yes I was a child of the 70s/80s), come flooding back. I launch upwards, making it my aim to clear the width of the lump stretching across the road.

On a road bike there is still a pleasure to be had from smoothing out the bump with a well-timed lift of the front wheel, then move of body weight forward at just the right moment.

The new standard speed bump, or speed pillow as they are apparently known, designed to let wide-tracked fire engines or ambulances pass over them without dropping speed give you the option. Ride over it, or dodge to the side with no effect on your speed. Some don't like it, but to me there's fun to be had in hearing a car approach from behind, intent on overtaking, only for him to have to haul on the anchors as he spots the slightly bigger obstruction in front of him.

okay, so you have to keep your wits about you when this happens, but it deepens that feeling of the speed bumps being put in to slow down cars, while you can get away scot-free on a bike.

I've seen myself plan routes to and from work specifically to take in speed-bumped roads, and I can't see this ever changing. As I write this I'm already thinking of the half a mile downhill section of street that is 'cursed' with these speed limiters as the highlight of my ride.

Long may the policeman sleep!