Looking forward to new cycle lane

Having been shamed by the confident, competent male cyclists who countered my enthusiasm for the Tennyson St cyclepath, I was pleased to read Dave Kelly’s letter (Feb 22).

Those correspondents apparently prefer a cycle lane painted on the road. There are other categories of cyclists and would-be cyclists who are nervous of the very real threat of parked cars’ doors opening in their path to the left, and from the rapidly moving traffic close by to the right.

As someone who loves cycling on occasion but is neither particularly competent, confident nor young, I look forward to using the new cycle path being constructed on Strickland St, just as I’ve enjoyed the one on Tennyson St.

At least the residents on Tennyson St retained their on-road parking, which is one reason why I approve that model of cycle path for a suburban road like that one. AM Hale Somerfield

Cycleways bring joy

Dave Kelly is right. After a lifetime of cycling, I now feel safer on dedicated routes. I can ride my e-bike north, south, east and west from the wilds of Bishopdale which lost both its direct routes to town, located on either side of the mall, when ECan took over. I am aware that some of the planning has caused problems which hopefully will be corrected in fairness to anyone badly affected, but it seems motorists in particular will continue to be irritated by us – even our gear offends.

But linking up the offroad routes using quiet streets which lead us through the many parks that we didn’t know existed, my friends and I have enjoyed many excursions exploring our city on our bikes, our rewards being companionship, exercise and fresh air. Get on your bikes and join us. Marie Woods Bishopdale