I cycle regularly between my home and Ideas Shop.  Rather than joining the thousands of other commuters behind the wheel every morning, I find it’s a quicker and less frustrating mode of transport.

It’s hard to disagree with a 12 minute journey on two wheels from the front door to Ideas Shop in Marion Street.

Cycling to work also ties in nicely with the Ideas Shop philosophy of encouraging staff to walk or take the bus to meetings wherever practical.

Sustainable transport – on two wheels or two legs -- is one of the reasons why Ideas Shop was a finalist in the Emerging Small Business of the Year category at the Sustainable Business Awards.

However, I’ve quickly realised the world view that New Zealanders are of an easy-going persuasion is a myth.

When a Kiwi gets behind the wheel, a red mist descends and cycling alongside such drivers is the equivalent of pedalling around Bathurst or Silverstone.

A split second delay at the traffic lights evidently results in a shrill beep of the horn and cyclists are regularly squeezed for space by impatient motorists.

So it’s no coincidence that according to Wellington Regional Council, there were nearly 150 cycling casualties last year.

Of course, there are some bad cyclists out there, those who run red lights and weave in and out of the traffic -- but there are also bad drivers.

But what we all need to remember, drivers and cyclists, is that we share the road. Respect each other and there should be no problem.

Drivers need to be aware that a commuter choosing to cycle means one less car on the road, it means one person who’s willing to battle gale force winds and torrential rain on their way to and from work.

However, cyclists need to be aware that just because you’re on a bike, it do0esn’t put you in a class above motorists with the right to do what you want, when you want.