Is it a hate crime to call cyclists Lycra louts?

THE University of Westminster has proposed that calling cyclists Lycra louts be treated as a hate crime (Mail). Will cyclists also support the enforcement of laws such as ignoring red lights, cycling on pavements, abusive behaviour towards pedestrians and the assumption that walkers must always give way to bikes? I believe cyclists taking out insurance and bicycle registration plates are a fair compromise.

K.-J. caVenDiSh, london Se21. I’d BE delighted to see abuse of cyclists to be made a hate crime.

But as quid pro quo, I suggest cyclists should pass a test (written and practical) and be insured, registered and display a tax disc. Most importantly they would have to accept their share of culpability in situations where their behaviour results in damage or accidents.

name supplied, hornsea, e. yorks. I AM a retired police officer and am fed up with the small number of cyclists who flout the rules of the road and don’t show common courtesy to other road users. When traffic lights turn red, they mount the pavement to get ahead. Most cyclists act responsibly and show respect for others. As always it’s the irresponsible and selfish few that give others a bad name.

g. Weir, Preston, lancs. THE pavements have become a dangerous place. For years I have walked for an hour to town. All too often I’ve been given a shock as a cyclist speeds past me. Usually they will be wearing all the latest cycling gear. If the term Lycra lout is to be classified as a hate crime, perhaps we might also consider the abuse of pedestrians by cyclists to be a crime, too.

Jeffrey Merrett, Welwyn garden city, herts.