Cycling On Footpaths

Sir, Having had several narrow escapes recently, I am moved to comment on the use of footpaths by cyclists

Sir, Having had several narrow escapes recently, I am moved to comment on the use of footpaths by cyclists. I understand that children cycle on footpaths because they're not experienced on the road and, for the most part, they cycle slowly and carefully. But what justification is there for adults who career around corners at breakneck speed? Or cyclists who overtake pedestrians at night at speed and without warning, which is a most unpleasant experience?

I know it is traditionally motorists who complain about cyclists but as a pedestrian I'd like to say that footpaths are not cycle paths. Where there is no cycle path, adult cyclists should use the road. Yours etc.,

Orla Houlihan, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin