TT Letter Nov 11 - CYCLEWight

From: Tim Thorne <emt.thorne@virgin.net>
To: editor@iwcp.co.uk
Date: 15 November 2011 10:39:29 GMT
Subject: Letter
I would like to respond the P J Dickerson's letter, "Bike Anarchy' which highlighted inconsiderate cycling, particularly in Ryde. There is no doubt that a small majority of cyclists do not act in a responsible way. I would like to point out much of Ryde Esplanade is dual use and so cyclists are well within their rights to be there. It would be hoped that all users would act in such a way that they show conisderation to others. I do know the Police do monitor the situation on the esplanades around the Island in the same way you see them checking the speed of cars. The sea fronts are a wonderful facility for all to use, I am sure when they are very busy many cyclists will go elsewhere. The writer of the letter suggests the authorities do not enforce the law but surely common sense has to be used. I am sure if someone was totally reckless they would be prosecuted; I have seen examples of this in other parts of the country. Far more cyclists are injured by inconsiderate drivers than the reverse. How many cyclists are injured by pedestrians walking off the pavement without looking? Far more I suspect. Cycling has a perception of being dangerous. In the last ten years the numbers people cycling has increased - the number of people injured or killed has fallen. You are better off cycling to keep fit than to be sedentary and so have a poorer quality of life. Cycling should be also be encouraged because of its contribution to the quality of the environment. The Island has been nominated by the Lonely Plant guide as being one of the best places in the World to cycle. How much money will that bring to our ailing economy? So let us celebrate and encourage the use of the bike.
Lets us admonish the inconsiderate - drivers and cyclists. But most of all let us be tolerant.
T Thorne
Chair
CycleWight
Newport.