[Christmas Dynasnow]

Safe cycling

SIR – Your correspondent D F G Dobson (Letters, February 26) states that
when dual-use pavements are provided (for use by cyclists and pedestrians),
cyclists must use them. The Highway Code is quite clear on this. Rule 61
states: “While such facilities are provided for reasons of safety, cyclists may
exercise their judgment and are not obliged to use them.”

As a keen but cautious cyclist I am often more nervous when cycling on dual-
use pavements. Not only do I have to be careful around pedestrians, but I
also need to watch out for cars coming out of driveways, as well as for traffic
exiting or turning into side streets, which requires me to scan 360 degrees
at every junction with a minor road.

Far safer, in most circumstances, to simply cycle on the road.

Ian Thomson
Nantwich, Cheshire

SIR – Cyclists riding on pavements with impunity are a menace, but added to
that danger is the increasing number of riders wearing headphones.

I recently remonstrated with a cyclist who was wearing a pair of these as well
as a mask, while speeding along the pavement, by saying: “Why don’t you
go the whole hog and wear a blindfold?”

Needless to say, he couldn’t hear me.

Guy Bargery
Edinburgh