SHAME on City of York Council!

As a self-proclaimed “Cycling City”, you bask in positive PR when it suits. So what on earth are you doing sanctioning a heavy-handed police operation, fining cyclists on the spot for riding where many innocently believed they were allowed to (The Press, October 10)? Good for The Press in giving this story prominence, and let’s hope it prompts some sensible planning.

We don’t have, and are unlikely to have, cycling exams. Whatever the reader’s opinion on this may be, it is the reality and it means that the average rider cannot be expected to understand road signs created for motorists any more than the average pedestrian. What York needs for those on foot and on wheels of all types is simple, elegant and effective signage that explains where we are and are not allowed to ride.

And while you’re at it, design some reminder signs at junctions to ‘teach’ cyclists about their vulnerability and the dangers of jumping lights etc.

If we truly are a “Cycling City” then we must start to give out consistent and clear messages.

A frustrated York motorist, cyclist and pedestrian (name and address supplied).

• I AM pleased to read in the Press that the police are issuing fixed penalty notices for cyclists riding through crowded pedestrian areas.

I wonder if the police could now tell us how many fixed penalty notices they have issued in the last 12 months for motorists blocking the advanced stop boxes for cyclists at junctions: these are an important safety and confidence-building feature for cyclists.

Jim McGurn, Chief Executive, Get Cycling CiC, Hospital Fields Road, York.

• SO A few minutes has been spent trying to stop motorists and cyclists using the pedestrian areas.

I have no quarrel with this: if you break the law you should be punished but so far as cyclists are concerned this is about as effective as standing on the White Cliffs in the summer of 1940 and shouting b*****r off at the Luftwaffe.

Cyclists will continue to ignore the law (and often their own safety) until some really strong measures are taken and I would suggest that the police, in co-operation with the local magistrates, decide to fine just one cyclist the maximum for cycling on the pavement. It is, I believe, £500 but I expect Paul Hepworth will able to confirm this.

I admit not all motorists are perfect, not even me, but every time I go out, whether in my car or on foot, I am certain to see a cyclist breaking the law, but only very rarely a motorist. When you consider that cyclists are a small minority of the traffic on the roads, this is a very unsatisfactory state of affairs.

Mike Usherwood, Mendip Close, Huntington, York.