AS A cyclist who lived for many years in Australia and California, where cyclists mix with motorised transport and in many places, pedestrians, with very little problem, I find the animosity of motorists and pedestrians for cyclists in this country very disturbing.

Yes, there are a large number of inconsiderate cyclists who behave as if the rules of the road do not apply to them, but there are proportionately a far greater number of drivers who do so.

I cycle to work every day and am regularly overtaken by cars, vans, trucks and buses who pass so close to me that I am forced into the kerb because they are too impatient to slow down until it is safe to pass.

Motorised vehicles are supposed to allow the width of a small car when overtaking cyclists. Only last week I reported a Wilts & Dorset bus driver who twice, within the space of a few minutes, overtook took me on two very restricted bends. He should not have even attempted to overtake me on a bend and seemed totally oblivious of the fact that as a long vehicle turns, while the front may be well clear of the pavement, the rear of the vehicle closes with the kerb as it negotiates the bend.

Not a day goes by that I do not observe, when travelling down the cycle lane on Poole Road between Westbourne and St. Michael's Roundabout, vehicles with their nearside wheels well into the cycle lane.

Is it really any wonder that so many cyclists take to the pavements?

ROBERT READMAN,Norwich Avenue West, Bournemouth