Think of "sustainable transport" and then condense the words to form Sustrans, now the charity enabling people to choose how they travel, suggesting alternatives to the car.

Although the charity first evolved in 1977, from the ideas of a group of cyclists in Bristol, it was not until 1995 that meaningful work commenced on the National Cycle Network, courtesy of a substantial Lottery grant, now resulting in more than 14,000 miles of signed cycle route across the UK.

Seventy-five per cent of the UK population lives within two miles of the network; the aim is to halve that distance and bring the network within one mile.

Many will be aware of the Diglis Bridge, opened in 2010, and providing an ideal traffic-free crossing on the Severn, shortening journeys and making for a more pleasant way to travel to work or for leisure purposes.

Now used for over a half-million journeys, vastly exceeding expectations, the bridge has become an integral part of the City's alternative transport system.

The bridge was constructed as a result of Sustrans winning a national public vote in 2007. An essential part of the bid for funding was the provision of a number of feeder routes to ensure easier travel.

The charity maintains the cycle routes out into the countryside and through towns, so the next time you are out on the bike and see a blue-background sign, with a red patch number on it, cycle symbol and, possibly, a route destination, you are using part of the National Cycle Network.

Maps for various routes are available from the county council (at County Hall), the Environment Centre in Gheluvelt Park, tourist information centre or local bike shops.

Sustrans, bringing you the National Cycle Network, closer to home.