SIR – Never mind about bridges or cycle lanes.

The best way to protect cyclists on our roads is to forbid them to use them unless adhere to the following conditions:

1 They are old enough to be responsible road-users, which presumably means 17 years old, the same as for car-drivers.

2 They have passed a test showing that they know both the law and the highway code.

3 They wear helmets.

4 Their bicycles are in a safe condition, which includes proper lights that can be seen at a distance.

5 The police and magistrates enforce these rules as fiercely as they do for car-users.

A feeling of ecological superiority is no substitute for proper safety precautions.

Bob Stone
Worcester