Cyclists need to change their road habits

SIR – I don’t doubt that Tim Crouch (Letters, October 21) is a perfectly orderly cyclist, but there are many who are not.

Due to their lack of mirrors, and their refusal to look to their rear, cyclists pose a hazard to many motorists.

Their sudden swerves towards the centre of the road, around grids, potholes and puddles, cannot be anticipated by motorists behind them, trying to pass at the prescribed 3ft distance; and their need to ride alongside each other on narrow roads, chatting away, can cause motorists considerable delays to their journeys.

Stockport, Cheshire

SIR – I am the first to defend the right of cyclists to use the road.

However, they pay no road tax. Many do not wear helmets or carry lights. The behaviour of many “leisure” cyclists is highly risky – crossing red lights, overtaking or undertaking with no thought for their visibility to other road users, failing to use bells or warning devices, riding two or three abreast, and generally putting the responsibility for their safety into the hands of other road users.

Unless these problems are addressed by the cycling fraternity I am afraid that “cyclistism” will continue to rise.

West Molesey, Surrey

SIR – Mr Crouch may indeed be a victim of “cyclistism” from motorists. However, in my experience, the abuse is far more prevalent in the other direction, often accompanied by much gesticulation, irrespective of whether the car driver is at fault.

I am a cyclist myself, but the behaviour and road sense of many of these “weekend warriors” embarrasses me, and does nothing to foster the spirit of co-operation necessary on our busy roads.

Woodsetts, South Yorkshire

SIR – If the bicycle had only been invented yesterday, it would undoubtedly be illegal.

Chard, Somerset