As every good publican knows, there are two taboo subjects that should never be discussed across the bar: namely, religion and politics. Given that there's a general election in the offing and that most of us are still finishing our Easter eggs, you might think that this could pose a problem; but there's another topic of controversy that's really getting the people of this fine city hot under the collar at the moment: cycling.

At first glance, it might seem to be an unlikely source of discussion. Spring has sprung, the sun is out and the highways and byways of the Norfolk countryside are at their prettiest. Young and old alike are dusting off their stabilisers and packing picnic lunches.

But it's not these placid pushbikers that are causing the murmurs of discontent from those who lean against the bar. It's the hard-nosed, all-weather cyclists who swoop through the city centre in a blaze of neon Lycra, and who are, it seems, a continuing source of irritation for pedestrians and motorists alike.

When they're not edging their way in front of your bumper at a red light or swishing effortlessly into dedicated cycle lanes whilst you sit in a queue of traffic, they're taking up just enough room in the road to force you to crawl along behind and stare enviously at their pedal-toned bottoms.

Granted, they have to contend with the elements, and with impatient drivers whizzing past their shins and splashing them with dirty puddles. But on the whole, cyclists in Norwich don't appear to have it so bad. Certainly, the city is a bicycle-friendly zone, and with climate change and pollution a constant feature on any political agenda, future investment in cycle paths is seen as worthwhile and prudent.

But it's this very investment that's at the heart of many of the gripes and grumbles. The thought of the imminent chaos on the city's roads whilst these schemes are put in place will bring many a driver's head crashing to the steering wheel in despair. For some, the knowledge that cyclists pay no road tax but see constant improvements to the roads on their behalf is a real injustice.

How many times have drivers bumped over potholes around the Golden Triangle area, only to see plans for £5.7m of Push The Pedalways splashed around the press? With cost of motoring increasing but the city's roads worsening, it's no wonder that drivers are turning accusatory eyes to the two-wheeled amongst us – especially when they're nosing ahead at the traffic lights.

This sense of injustice is not helped by the sneaking suspicion, rarely admitted by those who are grumbling into their pints, that cycling secretly makes sense. The benefits for wallet and well-being cannot be ignored. Cycling is economical, provides a brilliant cardiovascular workout and can be enjoyed for both its functional and social aspects. Whether it's participating in charity events such as the Norwich Cycle Swarm or just pedalling along for the fun of it, cycling is a great way to boost your personal feel-good factor. Most pubs provide bike racks as standard to aid those who like a little liquid refreshment after every half-mile, and it's easy to burn off that packet of pork scratchings when you've still got to tackle the journey home.

As the summer approaches, more and more drivers will be ditching their cars and tugging on the cycling shorts in an aid to discover their beach bodies beneath the winter insulation. It's an accessible and user-friendly form of exercise, and if you discount the teenagers who plug themselves into their iPods and go hell for leather along the pavements at the expense of any pedestrian who crosses their path, the majority of cyclists around the city are safe and road-savvy. After all, most of them are probably converts who have seen the cycling light.

So why not put the grumbles to one side and give it a shot? After all, the savings on your petrol consumption can always be spent in the pub (once you've left the bike at home, I might add). Lights, helmet, action. You're got two wheels, and you're good to go. Now, has anyone seen my stabilisers?