Three years ago I fell off my bike. It was Ride to Work Day and I fractured my ankle. Today I'll be back on my bike to join thousands of others riding to work. Fear of falling should not stop us trying new things.

When I first became lord mayor it was the ''suits'' working in the central business district who lobbied the hardest for a bike network. They wanted to skip the gym and stay fit riding to work. Businesses started installing end-of-trip facilities - showers, lockers and bike parking.

Riding bikes: "It's a win-win." Credit:Peter Rae

Now we're seeing other types of riders; retirees, cool young things, parents and their children on the way to school or childcare, uni students and people like me rediscovering the joy of two wheels.

We aren't wearing Lycra and we're wary of traffic, but feeling the wind on your face as you cycle to work, the shops, your local park or school is exhilarating and a terrific way to keep fit.