Don’t put cyclists ahead of the drivers vital for our economy

From: Pat Tattersall, Harrogate.

I’VE done my share of cycling – to and from school and college with a satchel on my handlebars (The Yorkshire Post,

June 13).

But feeding a family of four, plus pet food, meant that my weekly shop needed a car to transport everything home.

Donning my helmet and jumping on a bike wouldn’t cut the mustard.

When Oxford and Cambridge streets were pedestrianised it signalled the end for my mother visiting all her favourite shops. Even her disabled badge was no use.

Likewise, pedestrianising areas of Harrogate may make it look very pretty and “continental” with people drinking, but it’s the cars that bring in paying customers, and many of those paying customers are elderly.

This obsession with the rights of cyclists is getting out of hand.

During the lockdown, I have seen many cyclists take to the road. I would say all were cycling for leisure, not getting to work or school. Their needs shouldn’t be put before the needs of people spending money and keeping the town thriving.

Even Deliveroo uses cars now. We must ignore these vocal cyclists – I’m sure they do not represent the majority of road users.

I am not a petroleum head but the car is here to stay, so accommodate it not banish it.

From: Hazel Maxwell, Harrogate.

IF the Government/Harrogate

Borough Council are going to take cycling seriously and make plans to increase safe cycling, there are a number of things that have to considered and enforced.

Cycle lanes must be cycle-only places: that is, it must be illegal for other vehicles to enter or for anyone to obstruct a cycle lane (even with just a car door).

How many times have we been cycling in a cycle lane, to then be forced out of the cycle lane in to the road, because there are cars parked in the cycle lane? That makes it unsafe.

How many times have we had to slam on our brakes because a car is suddenly swerving in to our cycle lane to get past a car in front of it, waiting to turn right? That makes it unsafe.

How many times have we had serious near misses with car doors as occupants open the door in to the cycle lane? That makes it unsafe.

Cycle lanes have to be safe places to cycle if we want to increase cycling numbers, with all the advantages that brings for the individual person and for the community.