Let’s all make cycling safe

Published: 28 April, 2011

• IT was a sad tragedy when the cyclist was killed on the corner of St Pancras and Camden roads (When will they fix road where cyclist Paula dies? April 14). 

I feel that for this reason, also for the sake of pedestrians’ safety, it is time that cyclists in cities wear some regulated markings and lights, at night – but also in daylight.

That accident was, no doubt, a tragedy for the lorry driver too.

The blinking front white light, used by some, picks a cyclist out from the bank of car lights behind him/her; this seems an obvious regulation. 

In addition to increase their visibility, day and night, the fluorescent strip, perhaps containing three reflective pin-points back and front, should be worn. 

Then two regulation-size red lights at the back, with one high up on the shoulders. I believe that the bright colour (always same?) strip with different colour pin-points would make a big difference in daylight.

Yes, I am writing this on behalf of pedestrians, but surely this would help and restrain vehicle drivers too.

As a pedestrian (but I have been a cyclist, and I fully applaud the increase in city cycling for better health, for us all and for the planet) I am nervous of cyclists: getting away as the red light turns green and I’m just finishing crossing; getting through as their light turns red and they’re in dark clothing with no front light and I have a green light to cross. 

Nearly always they are trying to beat the traffic and the lights; “seizing the moment”, “nipping through” at corners. And as for messenger bikers...

Surely they must accept the need, in towns and cities for being more visible and a flashing front light.

“He or she stepped into my path” is a frequent cyclist’s phrase after an accident. It’s also serious for the pedestrian when a speeding bike hits them.

M PRYOR, Middleton Grove, N7

License them

• NOT wishing to cause distress over the terrible death of another cyclist in Camden, I would however say this… cycling has always had an element of danger and, as a former cyclist, I know as much about it as anyone. 

But it is time to take a serious look at the problem. 

We hear the same arguments about more cycle lanes, better awareness by motorists, especially lorry drivers, but when will cyclists learn to obey rules of the road?

Every day I witness many who cycle over red lights, take the inside lane of large vehicles, where they cannot be seen, and illegally cycle on pavements. 

Time and again I have been bumped into, sworn at and narrowly avoided being seriously injured by someone cycling on the pavement, which is my space, as a pedestrian to feel safe. 

If some cyclists feel unsafe on the roads then they should not be there as they are a danger to themselves and everyone else.

I would like to see cyclists licensed and have insurance. They use the road so why should they be exempt?

And those caught cycling on pavements should be fined.

The constant reference to cycling in Amsterdam is a nonsense. 

You simply cannot compare the two cities. 

EILEEN FRY, Tavistock Place, WC1