THE writer states that "bikes will startle you as they overtake you" - only if you don't check your mirrors regularly and therefore don't see them coming.

He/she goes on to say the "motorcycles are less likely to be seen that other vehicles" - that is true and that is why drivers need to look!

It should also be pointed out, in the interest of fairness, that 250cc is not a "powerful" motorcycle.

Currently the largest capacity production motorcycle on sale in Britain has an engine capacity of over 1,600cc.

I'm thinking that J Beale wrote the letter while being stuck in a traffic jam, doing zero miles per gallon, and being passed by bikers.

R. Tidy, Chandlers Ford.