Pedestrians’ rights

SIR – Matt Briggs, whose wife was run down and killed by a speeding cyclist and who is seeking greater legal protection for pedestrians, is correct that the rights of those who choose to travel on foot are being ignored (report, April 14).

Pedestrians regard the Transport for London slogan, “Why not walk it?”, with weary cynicism, when pavements are being bisected to create cycle lanes that they must negotiate before they can reach the kerb to cross the road or board a bus. They must contend daily with cyclists who routinely ignore red traffic lights or travel on pavements. Footpaths and towpaths have now been incorporated into cycle routes, forcing walkers to take action to keep out of the way of riders who refuse to limit their speed.

Mr Briggs is right: legislation and enforcement to protect pedestrians are long overdue.

Julia Matheson

London E5

SIR – Jeremy Vine (report, April 8) entreats drivers to “Think Bike!” Perhaps he could also invite cyclists to “Think Cars!”

In my area, along with many careful and considerate cyclists, we have those who ride in the middle of the road, persist in ignoring the cycle lane near the beach, use the very narrow road that remains since space was made for cyclists, and consistently ride through red lights all over the city.

If we all employed a modicum of common sense rather than focusing on people’s “rights” to behave however they wish, life would be simpler and far more pleasant.

Marilyn Morgan

Southsea, Hampshire

SIR – Anne-Elisabeth Moutet may be correct about the behaviour of Parisian cyclists and the effect they are having on the city (Comment, telegraph.co.uk, March 17). I went to Paris recently, and there were certainly many more cyclists than I remember from previous visits.

However, one thing I did see there, but have never witnessed during years as a cyclist and pedestrian in London, was two motorcycle gendarmes pulling over a cyclist for a traffic offence.

Perhaps if we don’t want London to go the same way as Paris, then the mayor should encourage the Metropolitan Police to visibly enforce the law for all road users – including cyclists.

John O’Grady

Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire