A NEW bike hire scheme is being launched in Glasgow and the hope is thousands will take to the saddle.

And while it will cut down on pollution it also has the possibility of encouraging community involvement.

It offers non-bike owning people the chance to ride through Glasgow's parks and along its miles of cycle routes.

It will open up areas of the city which may previously have been ignored.

And it should encourage Glasgow folk to become healthier.

Just two months before the Commonwealth Games begins the scheme will be in place at 31 locations; from St Enoch Square to Charing Cross Station; the Mitchell Library to the Riverside Museum,

At a cost of £600,000 over the next three years, 400 bikes will be available for hire and it it is expected that during the Games they will be in great demand.

For a city which prides itself on its neighbourliness, it is an ideal scheme.

Not only will it give participants the opportunity to get out and about and enjoy the city, but it will also people the chance to make new friends as they take to the road.

And if you are not in the Bradley Wiggins league... you can always dream.