‘If people keep on demanding cycle lanes, then why do they not use the damn things?’

• I WAS interested to read about the possibility of yet more cycle paths being installed (Go-ahead for cycle lane at accident hotspot, January 6).

I do not have any problem with people cycling in London, but I do find that one of the biggest problems with cyclists is that the cycle lanes provided seem not to be used.

A very good example of this is at Highbury Corner, where there are cycle lanes provided in both clock-wise and anti-clockwise directions around the remains of the roundabout there.

It seems to me that cyclists are reluctant to use the anti-clockwise one, as it is much easer for them to use the paved areas between Upper Street and Holloway Road, despite there being signs saying that in this area cycling is banned. If people keep on demanding cycle lanes, then why do they not use the damn things?

I am a senior citizen, who turned 75 last August, and I am getting fed up with having to dodge out of the way when a cyclist insists on riding on the pavement (in contravention of The Highway Code, which specifically states that cycling on the pavement is banned). And if they do hit a pedestrian while cycling on the pavement, then who is to blame?

The other thing I can’t understand is why, when a cyclist is approaching a junction and the traffic lights are red, they insist on riding through.

Do they not understand that if they are in a collision, they are putting themselves as well as other road users in danger? Surely it is better to be a little late in this world than to be too early in the next one.

JE KIRBY
Clissold Crescent, N16