Cyclists crowd out walkers along the Thames

SIR – How I agree with Trot Lavelle (Letters, February 19) on the selfishness of many cyclists.

I walk regularly along the towpath of the Thames and am frequently enraged by the number of cyclists who choose to ignore the signs stating that pedestrians have priority over cyclists. I am often forced to step on to the verge to avoid being knocked down.

Carol Thompson Shepperton, Middlesex

SIR – I am concerned by the behaviour of cyclists, but it is worth considering that of motorists, too.

Daily one can see them jumping red traffic lights, ignoring pedestrian crossings, exceeding speed limits, giving cyclists insufficient space and driving and parking on pavements.

As both a driver and a cyclist, I see slipshod attitudes all around me. Let us have more respect for all road users.

Mike Nichols Barton, Northamptonshire

SIR – Most cyclists use the pavement because it is safer than a congested road, and often there is no space to provide a dedicated cycle track.

With the proliferation of cyclists using footpaths, it should be a legal requirement that all bicycles are fitted with a device which sounds an audible warning signal, operated by the rider, when approaching pedestrians, particularly from behind. The oldfashioned bell, perhaps? The sudden and silent passage of a bicycle at one’s elbow can be a frightening experience.

Maurice Harbridge Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

SIR – Trot Lavelle wrongly assumes that cyclists pay nothing toward the maintenance of the highways.

Roads are paid for out of general taxation: there hasn’t been a “road fund” for over 80 years.

Most cyclists also drive cars (perhaps less so in London), with the associated financial and licensing obligations.

Bill Winward Calne, Wiltshire