Beware Councillors Bearing Pledges

The Times's Cities Fit for Cycling campaign has done a great job of getting across the board support for its aims - but just how deep does that support run? North Tyneside was quick to sign up but work underway on a key road in the area - Marden Bridge on the A193 - is already undermining that pledge, adding parking at the expense of cyclists' safety. And doubtless, councils up and down the country have paid similar lip service to a popular campaign without actually changing their behaviour or policies as a result.

If you're a cyclist in the North East, you can act now by joining the Newcastle Cycling Campaign - it's free to individuals and families - to help them fight against such changes. And if you're a cyclist anywhere else, we'd urge you to keep an eye on what your politicians do, not what they say.