Hello, and welcome to my new cycling blog for the Manchester Evening News.
I had an introductory post typed up on my laptop, but now that machine refuses to turn on (problems with the machine the post was composed on is blogger excuse number 3, by the way). So, let me introduce myself. My name is Ian Pattinson. I have several other blogs of my own, including a cycling blog- 2 Wheels Good. I suggested the MEN should have a cycling blog to balance its motoring blog, and here it is.
This won’t just be a blog for cyclists. My aim is to share with drivers and pedestrians the joys, and dangers, of switching to two wheels and try to get converts and a little understanding. I’m going to address many of the common complaints about cyclists I’ve seen in the Evening News’ comments and make a few suggestions on how other road users can work with us to make the highways safer.
What qualifies me to write about cycling? Well, it is my primary mode of transport. I’ve been cycling around Manchester for over eighteen years. I’ve bought several bikes in that time, and had too many stolen or vandalised. I’ve taken bikes apart and put bikes together. I’ve fallen off my bike and been knocked off it. I’ve ridden to work and for fun. I’ve even headed off in a random direction just so I can get lost and find my way back again.
And, in reply to the oft shouted question from drivers. Yes, I can drive. I’ve had my licence for twenty years, and I’ve never had any points on it. What about you?

This entry was posted on Friday, December 19th, 2008 at 4:53 pm and is filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.