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.