I just can't help myself today; so much to write about in the Economist. Mercifully, this piece on the rise of cycling as a legitimate form of transportation in the UK is light on analysis. I like it simply because it envisions better prospects for cycling, my own chosen method of commute, as more than a hobby. I'm under no illusions that the world can switch its commuting habits writ large to accommodate cycling, but more cyclists (and better infrastructure to encourage cycling) would seem to get at quite a few tough problems that developed and developing countries face:

Cycling England, a government-funded outfit that promotes pedal power, will see its budget increased from £10m to £60m by 2009. The cash will be spent on connecting schools to the national cycle-lane network, training for children and propaganda aimed at motorists. Six towns have already been singled out as test-beds; 11 more are planned.

Besides helping to reduce congestion (a growing problem on the roads in most places) and air pollution, the ambitious argue that bicycles can help to save both the nation and the world. Cycling is hard work and therefore likely to cut obesity in the fattest country in the European Union. And carbon-free bicycles could help ministers meet their elusive climate-change targets.