I IMAGINE the writer of the anti-cycling letter (Daily Echo, May 20),peers fearfully from the window as ‘killer’ cyclists go whizzing by.

Regretfully, the time has come when I can no longer get around on two wheels. There remains for me a feeling of great pleasure, as a group of cyclists pedal their way past me as I wait at the kerb to cross the road.

I know they are storing up wonderful memories to carry them into old age.

There can be no question that there is a place for cyclists on the road today. Thankfully, nationally and locally, cyclists are claiming and receiving more positive attention.

The anonymous letter follows the letter by ex-councillor Philip Whitelegg, seeking to ban cycling on the prom. He at least is consistent although I don’t agree with him.

The suggestion that road tax, reflective clothing etc will improve things is not borne out in the same copy of the Daily Echo. A well-known local club cyclist was killed in the Purbecks. He is pictured wearing bright clothing and a crash helmet.

A cyclist colliding with a lorry or a car is likely to be killed or seriously injured. If a pedestrian steps off the kerb in the path of a cyclist, it is the cyclist who is most likely to come off worse as he crashes to the ground. How many deaths are caused by a cycling impact? Even one death is too many.

On a brighter side these ‘born again’ cyclists taking to our roads need to be encouraged to use the roads safely for everyone’s protection. Cycling on the pavement is not to be encouraged, however there are miles of pathways in rural areas that are hardly used by walkers. Poole Council has made use of one from Merley to Bear Cross. This is a forward-looking authority who readily seeks ways to improve safety for all.

Finally, cyclists along the prom do use care and common sense. You can enjoy every moment of it to give you more happy memories in the years to come.

JACK LOVELAND, Parkwood Road, Wimborne