I, FOR one, sleep soundly at night in the knowledge that I live in the safest city in the country.

A city free of murderers, rapists, burglars, drugs, organised crime, guns, knives, indeed all criminal behaviour. How do I know this?

When the police hold a public consultation, what is the biggest concern raised? Cyclists.

In local media, letters to The Press, internet discussion forums and editorial comment, who is public enemy number one?

The cyclist (Life on the pavement, The Press, March 28, and Letters passim) - wanted for the heinous and despicable crimes of riding with no lights, on pavements, and through traffic lights.

Hopefully, this worried public will be feeling at ease now that the police are sending out officers to clamp down on small children playing outside their house.

I certainly feel safer, and don't find it at all hypocritical when I see the sergeant in the transit van racing round the city centre footstreets telling cyclists to walk.

Seriously, people of York, it's time to take a step back, deep breath, count to ten, think about it. Could we perhaps regain a sense of proportion?

Jason Rayner, Wenlock Terrace, Fulford Road, York.