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More and more children are missing out on cycling because their parents fear they will get hurt. According to research conducted for Cycling England to coincide with Bike to School Week, parents who rode their bikes when they were young are too afraid to allow their children to do the same. Most of today's parents began cycling on the roads when they were 10, but do not allow their children to do the same until they are 12. This fear has resulted in over a quarter of children only being allowed to cycle with adult supervision. For more information on the research click here.

As the baton of the ‘Two Wheels’ column in the Guardian gets passed around the cycling world, this week CTC Councillor Simon Legg writes about Cheam and Morden CTC Friday Night Ride to the Coast. To read Simon’s column click here.

In this week’s strange cycling video the stoker on the back of this tandem is a little different to say the least! Click here to watch it.

Arriva CrossCountry have unveiled plans to reduce the number of bikes on trains. The refurbishment of rolling stock will mean cupboards will be built to fit just 2 bikes per train.CTC’s Public Transport Officer Dave Holladay wants to see space designed with the flexibility to be used either as seats, bike or luggage space. To stop bicycle places being limited on trains you can take action now by contacting your MP. You can also email Andy Cooper the MD of Cross Country Trains. If you live in Scotland you can write to your SMP pointing out that the recent Scottish Rail White Paper calls for no reduction of cycle carriage capacity on trains. If you have a problem taking your bicycle on public transport please contact Dave Holladay.

As more commuters aren’t allowed to take bikes on trains during peak hours they are resorting to using folding bikes. The problem according to BBC online is even folding bikes are taking too much room on trains. It’s such a hot topic with commuters that within hours of the online article being published many cyclists posted their comments. Also in the article is this video on how to fold up a Brompton.

The Ministry of Justice has released figures showing that the number of drivers prosecuted through the courts for 'dangerous' driving fell by over a third between 2003 and 2006, while the number of penalty notices for mere 'careless' driving offences increased over the same period. With declining numbers of traffic police to investigate bad driving offences, more and more dangerous drivers are getting nothing more than a ticket for 'careless' driving, which merely reinforces the view that driving dangerously is not really a serious crime. CTC's Roger Geffen wrote a letter to the Times on this issue, click here to read it.

Lance Armstrong will be busy this weekend as he is opening his own bike shop in his hometown of Austin in Texas. Lance is hoping his store, called Mellow Johnny, and the nearby Lance Armstrong bikeway will encourage more people to cycle.

This weekend marks the 30^th anniversary of Central London CTC. The group was started by Pat and Mike Strauss in Camden and has organised cycle rides in the countryside around London and further a field ever since. To mark the occasion there are two anniversary rides this weekend. Plus you can even look back at photos and the history of the group.

CTC will be at the Get Cycling show on 25^th and 26^th May at Nottingham Racecourse. The Get Cycling Show brings together all kinds of bikes, people, ideas and organisations to create an amazing two days. Visitors can try all sorts of bikes on the traffic free circuits, as well as looking around the displays from exhibitors. For more information, visit the Get Cycling website. See you there!

Five Miles to Fabulous is just one month away, so it’s time to encourage your female friends and family to get back on their bikes. We’re also looking for more organisers to add to the growing list of events on the Five Miles to Fabulous website. If you’d like to put a ride on email events@.... Also don’t forget to enter online for the chance to win a Trek 7.2FX women’s hybrid bike worth £300.

Can you cycle 50 miles in up to seven hours? Then the CTC's Stevenage Circular Cycle on Sunday 15 June is for you. The ride starts in Fairlands Valley Park (SG2 0BL) then explores many of the lanes and villages that surround Stevenage. It is not a race, but a challenge. The fee for CTC members who enter in advance is only £3.50 or you can pay £7 on the day, but don't leave it too long as this popular event can fill up. For more information see CTC Stevenage’s website or call Jim Brown on 0793 968 7509.

Do you think you have what it takes to help other people get on their bikes? “Train as a Cycle Instructor” is a free, interactive and practical afternoon where you will explore what it means to be an accredited cycling instructor and experience a couple of taster riding modules from the course. It is on 18th June 2008 at 1pm - 4pm at Cycle Training UK in London. The session is free but you‘ll need to bring your own bike and book a place. For more details email maresha@....

If you are sick of getting two-tone arms then the CTC long sleeve summer jersey is the cycling top for you. You’ll keep the sun off your arms and look cool as you ride around in the newest edition to the CTC kit. The long sleeve summer jersey is made with Coolmax fabric and has 3 rear pockets.

You can save £50 on your next pair of glasses and eye examination at Vision Express. To claim the discount ring 0115 988 2121 with your membership number and you will be given a discount reference and your nearest Vision Express store (offer only available on selected ranges).