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As a parliamentary private secretary in the Dept of Transport and as someone who has regularly cycled in London, I have a particular concern for Merton Cycling Campaign. Indeed, I helped arrange a visit by the Minister for Transport in London to Merton so that he could see the traffic difficulties and the facilities provided for cyclists. I am conscious of the fact that the full route has yet to be completed and that, for example, negotiations are under way with Railtrack in the area of Raynes Park station. I have worked closely with the police and planning authorities to ensure an appropriate mix of modes of transport, with the needs of cyclists high on the agenda. I look forward to the completion of the London Cycle Network and have always taken up the concerns of my cycling constituents with enthusiasm.

In government, Labour's policy will be to reverse the growth of traffic by encouraging cycling, walking, greater use of public transport and the carriage of long-haul freight by train. Locally, for example, Labour will continue to work for the extension of cycle routes. Under a Labour government the council will be able to raise money for cycle paths from local parking fees. The paths will also be integrated into the national network. If elected, I will make sure that this work continues in consultation with residents and partner organisations such as MCC.

Liberal Democrat national policy is to adopt the Royal Commission on Pollution proposal for 10 percent of all journeys to be made by bicycle by 2005, to be achieved by: a) developing integrated local and national cycling strategies, funded by reduced expenditure on road-building, and b) a requirement for all schemes for new roads or road changes to promote cycling where possible. I would also push for grants or credit approval to be extended to councils to build not only cycle routes but also infrastructure e.g. secure cycle racks at shopping centres and stations. To help cyclists start young, I would push for councils to work with schools in setting up safe cycle routes to school.

Safety is a key problem for cyclists - and so is the fact that you need somewhere at the end of your journey where you can safely store your bike. I'd like to see cycling becoming included in people's thinking as a mainstream form of transport when it comes to planning. There can be a bias towards cycling, rather than just seeing how it can take a place along with other forms of transport. Cycle routes are essential but they are not the end of the problem. An awareness programme would be handy - telling people where they can cycle safely. And every schoolchild should do a course on cycle safety.

I have always been in favour of cycling as a method of transportation, and am happy to support the local authority in any way I can to provide safer cycling for all of my constituents.

Cycling provides the greatest potential for reducing the 60 percent of journeys of between one and five miles presently undertaken by car. It is these car journeys that disproportionately contribute to pollution, and their reduction would therefore lead to substantial health and environmental benefits. The assumption that Britain cannot be encouraged onto bikes is wrong. Under Labour, local authorities will be encouraged to include cycling provisions in their transport bids to the Dept of Transport to create a network of safe cycling routes. Cycling on the streets will be encouraged through traffic calming measures, and cycle-and-ride schemes will be encouraged through secure parking at stations and major bus termini. Where possible, Labour will ensure that trains carry bikes free of charge.

I wholeheartedly support my party's aim of increasing the proportion of journeys made by bicycle to 10 percent by 2005. I am particularly keen on initiatives which have the maximum impact on reducing car traffic, with its resultant congestion and pollution - for example, schemes to establish safe cycle routes to schools. I believe that cyclists' needs should be catered for in all road planning. But I am keen to see resources concentrated on finding solutions for cyclists on roads between popular destinations which are particularly difficult or dangerous, rather than designating relatively safe roads as cycle routes just to be able to say that so many miles of tracks have been created. I would also like to see better design and public consultation. Some cycle tracks have been hastily constructed, leading to faults which inconvenience cyclists and other residents.

Cycling is healthy, clean and fun but can only be so if the environment complements these qualities. Of course, there will be times when using a cycle is impracticable. But as the experience of much of continental Europe shows, there is no reason why it cannot be used for a relatively large proportion of journeys. Green Party policy is clear. Facilities for cyclists would rank only below those for pedestrians and the disabled. This means more cycle paths (away from cars), a more pleasant environment in which to cycle, and cleaner and more efficient railways which would welcome cyclists who wish to travel out to the country to cycle.