SIR — Cycling on pavements (Herts Advertiser, May 22 and 29 and June 5) is dangerous, illegal and irresponsible — but let s get the issue into perspective. Road traffic endangers pedestrians on pavements as well as road users. The evidence is seen in dama

SIR - Cycling on pavements (Herts Advertiser, May 22 and 29 and June 5) is dangerous, illegal and irresponsible - but let's get the issue into perspective. Road traffic endangers pedestrians on pavements as well as road users. The evidence is seen in damaged and demolished buildings, walls, fences, trees and every type of street furniture from railings, lampposts, traffic lights, signs and bollards to post boxes and phone booths.

Such destruction is not caused by cyclists nor is severe damage to roads and pavements. Damage caused by pavement parking results in countless injuries to pedestrians. I narrowly escaped serious injury when a vehicle mounted the pavement and demolished a wall at Victoria Street/Alma Road junction (Herts Advertiser report and picture, November 23, 2006).

According to Hansard, injuries caused to pedestrians by cyclists on pavements totalled 70 in 2003. The corresponding figure for injuries caused to pedestrians by motor vehicles on pavements is 3,500.

Thankfully National Bike Week (June 14-22) is offering a welcome choice of healthy, outdoor activities for all the family.

MR R. HOGG,

Flora Grove, St Albans.