Some weeks cycling gives me a real high, I find myself enjoying the bike and the whole atmosphere of cycling and being outside is very positive. These times are then countered by the unpleasant side of cycling which for me has nothing to do with riding the bike or bad weather.

The days when I don't want to get back in the saddle and ride are normally as a result of close calls on the road caused by bad drivers; negative anti-cycling press or comments and sad news that makes you question whether getting back on the bike is a safe thing to do.

In the last few weeks we have seen reports of cyclists being involved in hit and run incidents; we have also had the very sad news about the death of Rob Jefferies near Wareham. This last week has seen two more deaths of local cyclists.

Mick Roberts died last week whilst out riding after collapsing unexpectedly in a lay-by. Even with the immediate assistance of 3 fully trained medics from within the group he was riding with and following an airlift to Dorchester Hospital, he unfortunately passed away.

Local cycling campaigner and Cyclist Touring Club representative, Peter DuLieu also passed away last week after struggling with a difficult recovery from a stroke and heart attacks. Peter was a passionate campaigner for the rights of cyclists and was attending meetings right up to his death despite having to give up cycling due to health problems. My thoughts are with all the families and friends of all three people.

The title of the blog this week is "Highs and Lows" so I do want to counter the very sad lows with some highs. There are a couple of things to mention this week.

Firstly there is Bradley Wiggins winning the Critérium du Dauphiné. He is only the third British cyclist to win this event after Brian Robinson in 1961 and Robert Millar in 1990. This is only classed as a warm up to the Tour de France which starts in July, but will Bradley Wiggins win this event as well? It's not impossible, but it's unlikely.

However, having said that I will be watching over the three weeks hoping that we may get a British rider on the podium in Paris. It would be fantastic to get a yellow jersey on Bradley Wiggins and a green one on Mark Cavendish!

There has been some news coverage over the last few days about Casey Neistat, an American cyclist, who was given $50 fine for not riding in a cycle lane in New York. He challenged the fine stating that the bike lane was dangerously blocked. To prove his point, he created a video in which he is shown crashing into a series of bike lane obstacles. If you want to see the video search on YouTube for Casey Neistat, he does prove his point!

Lastly for this week, did you know that next week is Bike Week?

Bike Week is the UK's largest mass participation cycling event and provides an annual opportunity to promote cycling as a source of fitness and fun, not to mention an alternative form of transport. This year, Bike Week 2011 is encouraging everyone to 'get more out of life'- by getting on your bikes, exploring your local community and finding out just how convenient cycling is for all those short trips we make each day.

Bike Week runs from 18th to 26th June and there are lots of events taking place locally including a "Cycling Celebration" on Poole Quay on Thursday 23rd June from 5pm. For more information, take a look at www.bikeweek.org.uk.

Based on information supplied by David Brown.