THERE were 3,000 cyclists killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads during the year to September 2011 – a shocking statistic that perhaps goes some way to explaining why just two per cent of people in the borough opt to cycle to work.

In a survey carried out last year, Basingstoke’s lack of joined-up cycle routes was cited as another barrier, forcing those brave few to pit their wits against the dozens of large roundabouts that have come to characterise the town, almost all of which are clogged up with cars at peak times.

Figures from Hampshire Consta-bulary show there were 44 pedal cycle accidents in Basingstoke and Deane in 2011 – so it was with some trepidation that I pushed off on my bike to see what perils are faced by Basingstoke’s morning cyclists.

I was to join Alex Naper on his morning commute from his home in Ravel Close, Brighton Hill, to his place of work at Houndmills at 8am, but first I had to cycle from the town centre – and it was here that I had my first near miss. I was at a pedestrian crossing, at the A30 opposite B&Q, confident that I could make it across in time.

As I crossed the island that breaks up the carriageways, the light began to flash, telling me I had better get my skates on.

Fortunately, I took a look to my left and saw a car with no intention of braking, with the driver seeing the flashing light as a challenge. He avoided my front tyre by less than five feet.

Frustrated by the arrogance of this particular motorist, I carried on to Alex’s home where we were joined by Ruth Crawford – a keen cyclist who hopes to set up an initiative in the borough to get more women on their bikes.

We cut through the side streets and very quickly joined the Brighton Hill Roundabout, dodging between lanes to get to Western Way and on towards Basingstoke fire station.

Negotiating the Brighton Hill Roundabout, for a novice like me, was particularly scary, with car bumpers practically scraping the rear tyre. Keeping an eye on the vehicles in front, behind and to the side, while trying to negotiate a path between them, is no mean feat.

It was only when we got to Milestones Museum that we reached an actual dedicated cycle path. But upon reaching Houndmills, the cycle route stopped with no warning, pushing us back on to the road.

I was told this was a particularly busy morning, but the frustrations of my fellow cyclists were clear. For what it’s worth, I think Basingstoke’s cyclists deserve a far better deal and there needs to be more investment to encourage more people into this healthy pursuit.