Cycling and cars, the real-life problem

• SIMON Wilson’s letter (Look at cycling and cyclists in context, November 3) contained a number of debatable points, but my main concern is that, in its comparisons of the behaviour and impacts of motors and cycles, it showed no appreciation of the real-life problem.

When I walk around in Islington, I have a clear idea where the motor cars are and from which direction they are coming.

I have no such idea with bicycles, because so many are weaving through traffic and pedestrians, all too often on the pavement and often at considerable speed.

This dangerous uncertainty seriously reduces the pleasure of being out and about in Islington.

I am not reassured by Mr Wilson’s point that motor cars kill more people than bicycles. I have a friend who was knocked over by a cyclist who was going the wrong way on a one-way street.

My friend suffered catastrophic brain injuries which have left him impaired and needing a carer. He did not die, but that is scant consolation.

CHARLES CANN
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