I FIND it ironic that Mike Chalkey (Letters, July 16) has chosen to express his misguidedly jaded views on cycling in response to an article promoting Bournemouth’s first ever Night Sky Ride event – an event which will see people of all ages and abilities enjoy car free roads within the town centre.

Bournemouth council is working closely with the Bournemouth Cycle Forum, of which Mr Chalkley is a member, on detailed plans for cycling routes throughout the town over the next five years. Funding has already been granted by government and this funding is now beginning to bear fruit in the form of a 1.5km cycle path on Ringwood Road, improvements on Turbary Park Avenue including new crossings and paths for schools in the area.

The council has also won a bid to improve walking, cycling and bus use along some sections of the A35. Over the next two years, better crossings and cycle facilities will be appearing on this route. So Mr Chalkley’s suggestion that our plans are mere pipe dreams is totally untrue. We have the funds, we have the will, we recognise the need and we will continue to work together with the cycling community to make our dream to transform Bournemouth into a centre for cycling a reality.

CLLR MICHAEL FILER Cabinet member for roads and transport, Bournemouth Borough Council