Sir, – Those who take to the roads on two wheels are either brave or foolhardy (July 11th). While it is a truism that most cyclists are also drivers, the corollary that most motorists get on their bike isn't. Here in the UK, some cyclists do give themselves a bad name, with their gung-ho antics which suggest perhaps they are strangers to the need to abide by the rules of the road. Motorists too, with their myopic attitude could be far more tolerant in their interaction with cyclists. But the fact remains that on this side of the water some 19,000 cyclists (that's about the population of Sligo town) are killed or injured each year. A national scandal.
National traffic management programmes are in force that enhance safety for cyclists– dedicated cycle lanes, cycle paths and permission to use bus lanes, that sort of thing. One such initiative has very recently been introduced here in Liverpool. A major junction in the city has a fourth traffic light alongside the traditional three of red, green and amber. This light displays a green man on a bike which activates five seconds before the full green signal, allowing the guy on the bike to clear the junction before the rest. It’s early days yet, but initial feedback is positive. Any measure that reduces the carnage on our roads has to be welcomed. – Yours, etc,
FRANK GREANEY,
Formby,
Liverpool.