NEWS that a Boris bikes style scheme is coming to the city is likely to provoke a fierce debate.

Cyclists will see it as a victory in normalising the two-wheeled form of transport, while critics will no doubt complain about cyclists running red lights and hogging the road.

Whatever your emotional point of view, the proliferation of cycling has many rational benefits – not least for your health, bank balance and the environment.

It is also true that the more cyclists that are on the road, the safer they are.

No doubt there will always be a few silly riders who give others a bad name.

But making cycling more widely available can only help the inexperienced improve their road skills – and teach motorists a little bit more patience.