n AS the Right To Ride representative for the South Worcestershire area and a cyclist who rides in excess of 10,000 miles a year, I am responding to the story headlined "Cyclists should stick to own lanes" (Evening News, Monday, January 12).
Richard Bull says he finds it odd that cyclists are not using the cycle paths. If he would like to spend a day cycling around the area with me, I will gladly point out to him why many cyclists are reluctant to use these paths.
In general, cycle paths do not have a good safety record. Some are nothing more than an obstacle course, being especially dangerous at junctions. If one understands that these were designed by car-driving planners with little or no input from everyday cyclists, then it is easy to understand why they do little for cycling safety.
Minimal support is given to cycling in this county. Local councils and the Highway Agency in Worcestershire have a record of taking little or no notice of cyclists when planning routes.
They are aware that some future road proposals are going to cause serious injuries or even fatalities to minority road users, but choose to ignore warnings. In law, cyclists have the same responsibilities as other road users, but also the same rights.
ALAN LORD,
Right To Ride Network.
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