And to highlight his "four wheels bad, two wheels good" message, Coun Richard Brett abandoned his car and made the journey to his Civic Hall office by bike. He says it is his way of getting fit and helping the environment.

When he took the helm at Civic Hall last month, one of Coun Brett's first pledges was to improve facilities for cyclists and to encourage more people to leave their cars at home.

He was determined to lead by example and has bought a bicycle through the Government's Bike to Work scheme.

It enables Leeds City Council staff to purchase a cycle at a discount, paid for through salary deductions, so saving on their tax and national insurance contributions.

The scheme also includes safety equipment including a helmet, high visibility jackets and lights.

Council staff also have access to showers and lockers where they can leave their bikes during the day.

Many other employers in Leeds are also signed up to Bike to Work.

Coun Brett said: "I'm looking forward to my journey into work but am relieved I'll have the services of one of the council's 'bike buddies' to make sure I don't get lost. I've become too reliant on my car but I'm determined to try and get out of the habit of using it all the time, especially for short journeys.

"I want to encourage more people on to two wheels, but I realise I need to lead by example.

"Riding into the office will also give me the opportunity to see things from a cyclist's perspective – which is crucial if I'm to work out what needs done to improve facilities for bikers in our city."

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