I’D LIKE to bring to readers’ attention an announcement from the Minister for Cycling, Robert Goodwill, who has written to all police forces reminding them that cycling on pavements is not an automatic offence. This follows lobbying by Stop Killing Cyclists, which was formed after six cyclists were killed in London at the end of 2013.

This is a challenge to me as I fundamentally disapprove of cycling on pavements. However, if roads are too dangerous, I can understand why some cyclists choose to use pavements.

I foresee issues with judging whether a pavement cyclist is ‘inconsiderate’ or not. I have on several occasions nearly been knocked over by cyclists bombing along the pavement outside my house, not thinking someone might step out of their driveway. I have in the past yelled at cyclists on pavements, and even stopped my bike to tell them off. I’ll have to stop doing that now.

I’d welcome clarification from the local police about what they think of this guidance, and how they plan to police inconsiderate cyclists.

The bigger picture, of course, is how do we make our roads safer for cyclists? If roads were safe, pavement riding wouldn’t need to happen.

John Cossham, Hull Road, York.