WALKING from Lodge Road to the YMCA in the Avenue (not a cycle track) I was passed by nine or ten cyclists who gave no audible signal of their approach from behind. With this in mind I wrote to the Rt Hon. John Denham to state my concern. My Denham sent me information from the House of Commons Library. This information stated any cyclist proven guilty of reckless riding on the pavement could be fined between £1,000 and £2,500.
The stupidity of this law is very few people, if any, could afford to pay this fine without insurance. Not only should cyclists be insured, they should also have some form of identification eg a number to help trace them if be necessary. Much thought has been given to protect the safety of motorists and cyclists at the expense of the pedestrian, official House of Commons statistics show 267 pedestrians had hospital treatment in 2006-07 due to cyclists colliding with pedestrians.
FREDA DOWN, Southampton
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