Beware a bunker mentality of the older killjoys on Heath

Published: 31 March, 2011

• THERE’S a lot of sophistry and false argument about supposedly dangerous cyclists on the Heath. 

As a doctor dealing with emergencies at the Royal Free, I believe actual injuries are exceedingly rare.  

I suspect most complaints come from elderly people, for whom any vigorous activity carried out by young people is seen as threatening. 

Given the chance, they would totally ban all under-50s from the Heath. I think this bunker mentality is peculiar to inner-London, and spurious arguments about safety on the Heath should been seen in this light. There are no such arguments about parks in most other towns. 

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED, NW3

• RE: Time to run down cyclists (Letters, March 24), I question why, in these times of austerity, so much money is spent on facilities for cyclists. 

Cyclists form a small proportion of the population. Most people cannot or do not wish to cycle in London. 

Public money should be spent on retaining facilities for the disabled and elderly which are threatened by the cuts; not on cyclists.

The only further expenditure on cycling I would support would be for the establishment of a scheme whereby bikes were required by law to carry registration plates. This would allow offenders to be identified and should be a move welcomed by law-abiding cyclists.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED, N6

• AS a motorist and cyclist, I feel more needs to be done to tackle the increase in crime committed by motorists especially as they know they can get away with it.

But fines need to reflect the crime. 

When will appropriate fines be given to motorists who continue to break the law driving while on their mobile phones; through red lights; speed in excess of 30-40mph in 20mph residential or school zones; don’t stop at zebra crossings, etc?

We should be looking at fines in excess of £500. Persistent offenders or those who won’t pay should have vehicles impounded and, if roadworthy, auctioned off.  

Surplus revenue raised could help to save our services!

ALAN NEWMAN
Address supplied