Downs changes would be not only self-serving but also obscene

IVERY much agree with Richard Hensley’s letter to the Post earlier this month and his views on retaining the Downs as a unique space that should not be abused by self-interest groups such as Cycling Sunday.

I amongst others warned that if they were allowed to have car-free days on the Downs that this would inevitably lead to further impositions for car users and other Downs users in their quest to turn the Downs into a space for their selected form of transport as cyclists.

Who are they to make such pronouncements? We have a democratic process called elections to do this.

The Downs committee have been less than vigilant and robust in their response and I feel we have all given up hope that transport officers for Bristol City Council are anything other than seeking Brownie points for supporting any cycling suggestions whether it’s nonsense proposals or not.

I am not opposed to a cycling route for very young children as they would be at risk on the roads [any roads]. This however should not interfere with pedestrian paths or would require trees to be pulled down or would impose on motorists that use the roads surrounding the Downs.

I do however think there is a need for a couple of pedestrian crossings on Ladies Mile where paths meet.

I am opposed to joint cycling and pedestrian paths as they often are an imposition for pedestrian users including those with disabilities or for example prams. As a daily visitor to the Downs (which the small rump of Cycling Sunday members if truthful will not be) I can assure you that statements that thousands of participants taking part in their events are over exaggerated. Yes, there has been a large number of participants that attended but not thousands as stated. Any event can draw large numbers of participants.

If you travel around the Downs midweek you will see that only a small number of cyclists are to be seen and if the weather is inclement you could count them on one hand. That’s the reality, and to change the Downs in the way Cycling Sunday would wish it is not only self-serving but obscene. Bob Farmer Bristol