A real gem?

In 2005, six English towns were chosen to promote the use of cycling as a means of transport. One of these was Aylesbury, where I sometimes work.

There is still some evidence of its cycling pedigree - I particularly like this bright sign, showing the 'Gemstone Routes'. Not only are the colours clear and attractive, they were innovative in showing times rather than distance, which are apparently easier to conceptualise than distance for many people - and they act as a positive advertisement for the convenience and ease of cycling to motorists who see the signs.

But it's a difficult challenge - Aylesbury had by far the highest level of two car households (47%) than any of the other demonstration towns (27% average), and from my personal experience walking through the town today, there is still an awful lot of work to do to persuade people to leave them at home and jump on their bikes.

Nice signposting - but no sign yet of Aylesbury being an new Amsterdam!