Cars in towns have had their day, it’s time for e-scooters
■ What a negative letter from Terry Pearson regarding e-bikes and e-scooters (MetroTalk, Wed). Rather than getting e-scooters banned, we need to ban more cars and encourage the use of electric bikes and scooters.
In our Spanish town, both are policed. Helmets, lights and bells are compulsory. Riding on pavements has stopped. Under discussion is the need to have compulsory third party insurance.
The town council is increasing the pedestrianisation of streets open to scooters and bikes. Cars in towns have had their day. Get real.
Crawford Daly, Dénia, Alicante
■ The fan of e-bikes (MetroTalk, Wed) defends them against the accusation they are silent by saying that people move out of the way when they hear the sounds the tyres and motor make. This typifies the arrogance of many cyclists.
Firstly, all cyclists should have bells and helmets – and use them. Secondly, there are pedestrians who are hard of hearing. And thirdly, why should pedestrians get out of the way unless it is a dedicated cycleway?
I had the misfortune of crossing the ill-conceived cycle paths around Kew Bridge this week and was astonished at the speed and complete ignorance and silence of the riders. Now we also have the threat of e-scooters, albeit illegally used.
The give way rule is clear – people, horses, cyclists, motorbikes, cars, vans and lorries or buses.
Cyclists, accept your social responsibilities, which to date you are failing to do. And while we’re here, you should be fined for using mobiles while riding. That same day, I counted 15 around the bridge. How can you possibly concentrate?
Derek Holley, Huntingdon
■ Further to the same letter and the line ‘people hear me and move out of the way and I don’t even need to ask them’. Where are you riding? If pedestrians are crossing a road or cycle lane, according to the Highway Code you are supposed to stop to let them pass.
If you are riding anywhere where you ‘expect’ pedestrians to move out of your path, you are most likely riding on pavements, paths and other places where it is illegal to use such vehicles.
Pedestrians shouldn’t have to watch out for you – you should ride legally and watch out for them.
Steve Knight, vie email
■ What self-righteous twaddle. It’s not a pedestrian’s job to get out of their way. Get a proper bike and a helmet, and ride on the road as you’re supposed to.
Peter Hornsby, London
■ There seem to be many points of view regarding the use of e-scooters, on or off the roads.
I drive a bus in Edinburgh most days and have noticed their illegal, free-for-all use on footpaths and roads, along with the usual swarm of cyclists.
The law is either lacking or totally absent in regard to giving clarity or structure to their use. It is high time to bring in a framework to train and license these, as well as other humanpowered devices like bicycles and normal scooters, to at least teach them the basics of the Highway Code. That would make it a little safer at least.