Motorists think they own roads

SIR: In response to the rather arrogant letter in last week's paper, entitled "Are the cycle lanes the product of Fatty Two Jags?"

I am annoyed at the way in which the writer seems to have placed cars on a pedestal, while bringing down and even suggesting the prohibition of some cyclists.

It is true that motorists have tax and petrol costs, whereas cyclists use our roads for free, but it is the cars that are heavy on the roads, causing damage in a short time, and pollution.

It is the cyclists who can get around safely and quickly without causing trouble.

I think the introduction of cycle lanes at Goring Road, Worthing, was very good of the council because whereas in a car you are secure and closed in, on a bicycle you are exposed to the dangers of traffic.

The cycle lanes offer a bit more safety for those on bikes.

I do not think the writer should have stated "if the councils want to introduce prohibitions then start with: The cyclists who don't believe traffic lights apply to them, those who ride on the pavement, the mountain bike morons who speed along the seafront promenade"

Well clearly, you are judging all cyclists by the few who do these things. Most of us, some who probably cannot afford the luxury of a car, abide by the road laws and use the roads in a safe way.

The reason some cyclists may feel the necessity to go up on the pavement at times is because of the careless way in which some motorists drive, in an attitude of 'owning the roads' over cyclists.

It is safety on roads that is the most important factor here, and the introduction of cycle lanes shows that the council is taking this matter seriously for cyclists.

The lanes should not be scoffed at and they should definitely not be parked across in a careless manner, putting into jeopardy the sole reason that they are there: safety.

Motorists should accept that cyclists have as much right to the roads as they do, and should respect the new cycle lanes and the cyclists themselves at all times.