Brian Lewendon - Jul 25 2003

From the Reading Chronicle, Jul 25 2003

THE argument about cyclists wearing helmets seems to go on and on. I would like to comment on another aspect of cyclists' safety.

A few years back, when Berkshire County Council was the highways agency for Reading, I remember going to the Cycle Forum at the Civic Offices about a bee I had in my bonnet concerning a cycle track that could be built along the Oxford Road and Portman Road.

Imagine my surprise when I was advised it was already being considered. That cycle way has now been built at great cost to the rate payers and it disturbs me to see the 'elite' type cyclists, with their nose on the front wheel and bottoms in the air, zooming along the road at unnecessary risk to themselves and taking up road space when there is a safe track just feet away.

In the spring edition of the Liberal Democrats' Reading Focus it stated they want to see better provision for cyclists and Reading Borough Council have produced a guide to cycling facilities in which it states its aims are to provide a safe cycle routes within the town.

But why bother if the existing ones are not fully utilised? Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe it is against to law in Holland to use the road when there is a cycle way provided. Perhaps this country should follow suit.

BRIAN LEWENDON