TODAY is National Cycle to Work Day, the UK's biggest cycle communting event.

Everyone in Herefordshire can get involved, whether you regularly cycle, or you haven’t cycled in years; the aim is to widen the number of people that recognise the many benefits of cycling to work.

However, ‘Cycle Scheme’ provided a calculator for employees and employers to work out the benefits of cycling an additional five miles to work and back each week, instead of driving.

At the Hereford Times there are 11 staff members. All together we would reduce our CO2 emissions by a massive 495kg and burn 4485 calories each week.

They also run an online community called ‘Love to ride’ where people can post their cycling experiences.

You can sign up by Facebook, Strava, or simply by entering your details, and then connect a smartphone app so you can log your rides.

For various reasons, I have never cycled to work.

Mainly because I live out in the sticks and my idea of a bike ride is down quiet lanes, stopping for a breather whenever you fancy.

Of course, I understand the appeal of cycling; saving the environment, exercise, that early morning fresh air. 

Cycling in town has always felt like a mission, that I could not complete. 

What if I'm too slow? What if cars can't overtake me? What if I fall off? Where are the cycle paths in Hereford?

Today was the day me and my bike would take on the roads of Hereford and find out how safe they really were.

I started at Clive Street – just down from the fire station in Hereford – where I set out to my destination in Rotherwas.

Luckily greenway cycle path offers a simple and pleasant trip.

As a new starter to this cycling business, I thought I'd keep to the quiet pathways and roads where I could.

My journey started down the small streets that ran through the middle of Hereford homes.

I braced myself as I paused at my first busy junction, I'd have to be quick to make it across. Sticking your arm out and cycling one handed is pretty difficult apparently, and I hoped drivers would allow me to turn right safely. 

I made it. 

My next stop would be Canary bridge that connects one side of Hereford to the other.

And how lovely it was. I must say, this was my favourite part.

It felt safe as I called out 'morning' to dog walkers and other cyclists.

And I could the smell of the cool morning air.

My fingers gripped the handlebars as I powered down the cycle path, blissfully unaware that I would discover half of it, the bit that went through Rotherwas safely, was closed.

I had to stop for a long hard minute to figure out where I was when I got to this point. Right, no, left, yes, definitely left.

Then prepare for the busy main road that ran through the industrial estate.

I was met with the aspect of this cycling experience I was dreading.

Several cars zoomed past before I pushed my feet down on the pedals and span down the road as fast as I could, dodging drains as best I could.

Other than that, the road was smoother than I expected, not brand-new tarmac type smooth, but smooth enough for me to stay sturdy on my bike.

The offices were a short distance away. Only two more wobbly one-handed turns and I would be there. Cars were careful to give me room as they went round me.

Pedal, pedal, pedal. Then the grey glass doors were in front of me, and I'd cycled my way to work.

Although, my breath was heavier and my heart ran faster, I felt awake and full of energy. What a way to start the day. 

Now all that is left is to cycle home – unfortunately in the pouring rain.