Should cyclists be banned from the pavement?

it’s true that motor vehicles are capable of doing more damage to pedestrians than bicycles, but you don’t often see them moving at speed along the pavement — as cyclists do. Many cyclists seem to think they have the right to ignore pedestrian crossings and even red traffic lights. Drivers undergo training before they’re allowed on the road. Anyone can jump on a bike and risk his life and the lives of others — and far too many do just that. it’s high time the police made it clear that cyclists are subject to the Road traffic Acts. Cyclists should be licensed, their cycles should carry a registration plate and they should be insured.

BRIAN PARSONS, London N12. THE logical extension of the demand for cyclists to be banned from the pavement would be to make it an offence for a pedestrian to step out against a red traffic signal where it endangered other road users. One member of my family spent several hours on the operating table after nearly striking such a pedestrian while cycling, having broken his leg while taking avoiding action. The pedestrian just melted into the crowd, probably unaware of the injury he’d inflicted. A better use of resources would be to encourage all road users to have greater respect for each other. One way of reducing the temptation to cycle on the footway is to make proper provision for cyclists on the road, something Ealing Cycling Campaign has been pressing for over many years. PETER MYNORS, Ealing Cycling Campaign, London W5. i’M 72, and always ride my bike on the footpath, as it’s too dangerous to ride on the road. But i always stop for those walking on the footpath. there’s no provision in my area for safe cycling. if there were a proper and safe cycle path around the UK, i would cycle the whole way round and enjoy every mile.

JIM GOSBELL, Harwich, Essex.