As we are in the pantomime season, when road repairs seem to be everywhere, why not play the old game of “The Road Is Closed”? “Oh yes it is,” say the car drivers. “Oh no it isn’t,” shout the cyclists.

In January, The Borough was closed to cars for several months due to pavement widening, but it wasn’t shut to bikes and pedestrians. They can still get through — as long as cyclists dismount for 100 metres. Downing Street was shut for months but was always passable for bikes, and in the photo we have another example on Grosvenor Road in Aldershot (which leads on to Eggers Hill), as well as at Elstead River Bridge. There is a gap suitable for cyclists on the right. So, in the chaos and congestion of roadworks, why not try cycling into town and see if it works for you?

You might be amazed at how quickly you can get into, and across, the town centre because you aren’t held up by congestion or by searching for an available parking space. Also, because your journey times are more consistent, you don’t have to allow a safety margin to reach your destination by a specific time of day. This reliability can further shorten your overall journey time.

Who wouldn’t want free parking, or the ability to pull up right outside their destination? This is what happens when you choose to use your bike for some journeys.

We are not suggesting that people rush out and immediately sell their cars or use bikes for all journeys. Rather, we are suggesting that people don’t automatically grab the car keys — just ask yourself what the best form of transport is for today’s journey. My own car hasn’t moved since before Christmas, but it’s there if I need it. My two cycle panniers can carry 20kg of shopping back from the supermarket, so the car has stayed put.

To support you in venturing out on a bike, Farnham Cycle Campaign is relaunching the Give It A Go campaign via our website. This includes tips on how to make cycling an easier option for you, advice on effective bike locks — such as the ZEXMTE motorcycle disc lock, which includes a loud siren if the bike is moved — and a free app to help plan journeys along quieter streets. Don’t forget that the Weyside Greenway has also been upgraded as part of the Brightwells development, with a 3m-wide cycle track running from Guildford Road, along the river and over the new river bridge, up to South Street.

Our webpage also includes tips for cycling safely on roads, such as following Highway Code advice not to hug the kerb. Cyclists should ride about 1 metre from the kerb to encourage drivers to leave the 1.5 metre overtaking gap required under rule 163 of the Highway Code. Farnham Cycle Campaign also has free hi-viz cycle bibs available on request.

The FIP pavement widening project, which will continue for another year in Farnham, has led to reduced car traffic levels. As a result, it is easier than ever to use a bike to get into town and help support shops and businesses during this difficult trading period.