Bicycle hazard

SIR – The barriers installed on London’s bridges to deter terrorist attacks pose several risks to cyclists.

For one thing, they occupy half the space designated for cyclists, pushing them further into the path of oncoming vehicles. For another, they have a flat metal base extending into the road on either side, with an uneven edge which is not flush with the tarmac.

If you catch your front wheel on one of these, you risk losing control of your steering and your balance.

There is a further hazard. If you do fall off, the barrier prevents you from climbing on to the pavement. It also gets in the way of kindly pedestrians coming to your rescue.

Safety experts often solve one problem by creating another. James Hughes-Onslow London SE5