Change of mindset is needed on travelling

I HAVE never done this before, writing to Mailbox, but when I see such negative comments about cycle lanes in our lovely city of Leicester I could not resist.

Firstly I don’t understand the point that was made by Jackie Caunt (“Better ways to spend money than cycle lanes,” Mailbox, March 27) that cyclists don’t contribute to the cost at all.

I think many do. I, for sure, do. I pay my council tax and my other taxes, too.

You may also want to research where the money is coming from for the cycle lanes. Most has been ringfenced from the government and the council has to put in a bid, though I have to say I am no expert in this matter.

Like most things there are always some who don’t abide by the rules. That goes for motorists and cyclists.

We really do need a shift in mindset on cycling. I have now started to use the new segregated cycle lane down London Road into town and it’s brilliant. Before this it was extremely dangerous.

I hope the council continues on with the work of segregated cycle lanes across our city.

I now cycle to work each morning, passing two high schools on my way and I have to say I would love to see better cycle and walking paths for the children to get to school more safely.

At the moment this is not really the case – and I pass quite early before the traffic builds up. I dread to think what it is like when traffic does get busy.

I feel that’s why a lot of parents drop their kids off, adding to congestion and air pollution.

We must think about the use of the car. Yes, I own a car, but more needs to be done to get us out of the car on our bikes and walking safely across our city on our daily business.

We are in a climate emergency. We must all look to the future and take this seriously – which, might I add, the council is trying to do by building these bike lanes for people to use safely and not have to use a car.

We now must change our mindset and start using them and do what we can before it is too late.

As for the extremely sad loss of jobs and businesses in this pandemic, I am unsure what now our government is doing. If you read the Green Party’s policies, you may find out, Jackie.

The Green Party’s policies at least fill me with hope for our next generation.

I am very excited and grateful that Leicester is starting to think of our future and implement greener ways to travel across the city.

Josie Soni, Leicester