Letter: The fear that forces cyclists on to the pavement

Sir: Colin Wheeler's complaint about people cycling on the pavement (Letters, 12 July) brings up an issue the Government must consider if its cycling strategy is to be a success. I ride my bicycle to work every day, on the road. Car drivers regularly behave as if the rules of the road do not apply if the other vehicle is a bicycle. They overtake where it is illegal (and dangerous) to do so, they don't observe priority at junctions, they don't bother using their indicators. Quite a few do not even extend the simple courtesy of dipping their headlights for my benefit. It doesn't help that many cyclists choose to ignore the rules as well.

People ride on the pavement because of fear. The Government will have little chance of success in its cycling plans unless it can restore a culture where bicycles are seen by all road users to have the same rights and responsibilities as cars.

B J CRAVEN

Menstrie, Clackmannanshire