I'VE just been sworn at by a hopping mad pensioner in his car. My crime? Stopping at the side of the road, in a cycle lane, to read a map.

No wonder cyclists feel the need to rant.

Congested roads, impatient drivers and a high risk of injury are putting British cyclists off.

In a bid to combat the falling numbers of those choosing this eco-friendly transport, the government has invested in a scheme to build 10,000 miles of cycle paths.

Over the past ten years traffic in Dorset has increased by 17 per cent. Pedestrians and cyclists make up 10 per cent of the county's casualties that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

In 2005 Dorset County Council made a commitment to develop, improve and promote the use of dedicated cycle routes. They joined with the Dorset Cyclists network to make cycling safer.

Great news, because as singer Freddie Mercury sang "I like to ride my bicycle, I like to ride it when I like."

But is it possible to get from Christchurch to Poole, using only designated cycle lanes and arrive unscathed?

I was on a mission.

So I printed off my cycle map from the Dorset Cyclists Network site, donned my helmet, phoned my sister who I'd bribed into coming with me and off we went.

The journey started well.

A sign at Hengistbury Head marked the beginning of our ride.

I've noticed an increasing number of cycle lanes recently, and despite complaints, like those over the £77,000 cycle lane scheme between Whitecliff and Lilliput, I believe if they work, you can't put a price on safety.

The lanes from Hengistbury Head up the Broadway and towards Tuckton were clearly marked.

Facing the roundabout at Iford, like any roundabout, is always rather daunting.

Drivers tend to get close, and unfortunately it was often the more nervous older drivers. Overall, the majority of cars slowed down, giving a wide birth.

As we headed up Tuckton Road, we had to keep our wits about us.

The road narrows and when two lorries cross paths, it can be unnerving. A clearly marked out cycle path in a bright colour would be useful here.

As we approached the roundabout, we noticed a cycle path heading past the river and the quaint Old Bridge Tea Rooms.

In all my years cycling, I never knew it was there!

After a slightly dubious moment at the Castle Lane East roundabout where a car was a little too close, we were back on safe ground.

We took the river route up to Royal Bournemouth hospital, past Iford Golf Centre, over the flyover and then adjacent to the Spur road.

I never knew this existed either.

Things were going well. Had I misjudged our cycle lanes?

I spoke too soon.

The lanes and signs around Charminster and Wallisdown are currently being worked on, so things are a little unclear. Drivers were also more impatient.

It seems they would prefer to knock us from our bikes than risk knocking a car on the other side.

We decided to see if we could find a quieter route.

Suddenly there was a long toot.

We looked around to see an elderly gentleman passenger shaking his fists, calling us all the names under the sun. His wife quickly slapped his hand away from the horn and berated him for his language.

What had we done wrong?

We'd stopped in a cycle lane, tucked to one side. Perhaps the gentleman had never encountered a cyclist on a cycle path before, or maybe he was one of those drivers who'd encountered reckless cyclists (you know the ones without lights and their music systems in their ears) and decided to tar us with the same brush?

As we scooted up to Cemetery Junction, the lane abruptly ended - just at the point where you need it the most.

Cars, buses and lorries whizzed past, so we got off and walked on the pavement.

Once we'd left the hell of Cemetery Junction, we were back on track. We shot down Glenferness Avenue toward Wallisdown, up to Branksome and off to Penn Hill.

The cycle paths were all clearly marked, and as we used the new Lilliput cycle paths (which some drivers feel a need to drive in) and cycled to Poole Park, I must admit I was quite impressed.

I've been disappointed in the past in Dorset's commitment to cycling. But I take it back.

OK, so the odd driver decided cyclists had no rights on the roads and the odd cycle lane ended in the most inappropriate place- but on the whole our commitment to cycle lanes are changing.

Now, if only we'd design a designated cycle path on the promenade and promote cyclist rights, then we'd be on our way to becoming as cycle friendly as some of our International cousins.

National bike week begins on June 16. For information visit bikeweek.org.uk or for local routes visit Dorset Cyclists Network at dcn.org.uk