Serious mindset shift on cycling is needed

I ABSOLUTELY have to agree with Phil Rowe and his letter about cyclists being a positive force in the city (“Cyclists not the ones to blame for congestion”, Mailbox, March 22).

Congestion is not the fault of cyclists: congestion comes about because of lorries, vans and, yes, too many of us in our cars.

More of us won’t cycle or walk to work until roads are safer and it’s more convenient to cycle than drive.

In a city where more than 60 per cent of journeys are two miles or less, and 30 per cent of families can’t afford, or choose not, to have a car, why do we all have to suffer the real harm of illegal air pollution levels and more congestion than similar cities?

Far more of us could be active for our health, the health of our city and our children.

As a disabled woman, I have to travel either by cycle or in my car.

By cycling places, that’s one fewer car on the road, and it’s great for my mental and physical health, too.

It feels terribly dangerous at times, though, and we must support our council and challenge it to improve cycle safety and convenience.

Can you imagine if more of us were able to cycle?

Imagine the difference quiet school runs and deliveries by electric bike would make to our streets currently being overwhelmed by deliveries.

Other cities have done this, and motorists benefit, too.

We have to have a serious shift in mindset about cycles, and with safer roads, proper enforcement of road law, sufficient storage and support from the council, we can revolutionise our city before we become even more clogged up and more children die.

Mags Lewis, Leicester