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All the big tour operators will organise car hire for you with your holiday booking. But what happens if your preferred mode of transport is a bicycle? They're less polluting, you get a tan while you're on them, they're easier to park, they take you places cars often can't get to, and you may end up fitter when you get home than when you left.

Unfortunately, the advantages of cycling as a means of transport don't yet seem to have reached British tour operators.

"Bike hire?!" was the incredulous response of four of Britain's biggest travel companies I called, just before they scurried off to make further enquiries. Neither Thomson, Airtours, First Choice or Unijet can help bike fanatics in anything like the same way they can service four-wheel enthusiasts.

Thomson suggested holidaymakers who wanted to cycle should hire their bikes from a local shop - if there is one. Resorts in flat, bike-conducive areas such as Amsterdam and Formentera off Ibiza will have bikes for hire, and for fitter holidaymakers, many lake and mountain resorts offer mountain bike hire. Thomson also offers mountain biking excursions in the Dominican Republic, which can be booked on resort or from the UK. First Choice offers free bikes at some of their all-inclusive resorts, particularly in Europe.

For anyone wanting to take their own bike on holiday with them, the answer is the same with all the operators: check with the airline you're travelling with and you'll probably have to pay beforehand - usually pounds 30 short-haul and pounds 40 long-haul.

Unijet points out that because of a bicycle's dimensions the conveyor belt check-in route is not appropriate, so a fee is charged by the airlines for manual loading.

Your only way out of being charged is to have a collapsible bike in a cycle bag that can follow the same route as a suitcase, although you may still be charged for excess baggage. Thomson also asks you to check with its client welfare department to ensure that the transfer coach will be able to take your bike to the resort, and there may be a charge. Better get those muscles working straight away, then.