The number is up for pedalling pests
I AM heartened by the call for changes to the law to force cyclists to have number plates, insurance and observe speed limits (Mail).
This would be to the benefit of pedestrians, motorists and, dare I say it, cyclists. Just like drivers, cyclists use the public highway and should be held accountable for their behaviour. However, some ride as if they are the only road users and ignore red lights with impunity. If they cause an accident, they are untraceable and hold no insurance to provide reparation. Local authorities have spent millions on the provision of cycle lanes and road-width reduction in our towns at the expense of motorists and causing congestion, even though these facilities remain largely unused.
JOHN DAVISON, Orpington, Kent. I WELCOME the fact that 91 per cent of drivers back a crackdown on cyclists (Mail). Cycles and e-scooters should be obliged to have number plates and riders aged over 16 should be included in the same insurance and taxation class as mopeds.
DAVID WHITELEY, address supplied.
IF CYCLISTS are obliged to have insurance, councils will need to spend billions providing cycle lanes and road surfaces fit for them. I ride my bike on the road, but there are a lot of cyclists and e-scooters on footpaths, which is a nightmare for pedestrians. Even worse, the police do nothing.
DAVID BENNETT, Northampton. AS WELL as number plates, insurance and road tax, all cyclists should have to pass a proficiency test before being allowed on to our roads.
A. S. MOORE, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. HOW short-sighted we are. Despite climate change, we’re still trying to make life as hard as possible for cyclists. It’s motor vehicles we should be discouraging.
Not only is cycling by far the cleanest form of transport, it’s the healthiest and cheapest. I believe cycles should be provided free and public transport greatly improved.
For a healthier, cleaner, quieter and more relaxing quality of life, surely bikes are the future.
VINCENT HEFTER, Richmond, Surrey.