YORK Pride (highways sector) seems to have run out of energy, for it did promise more than 18 months ago to review problems for cyclists in the city.

Small-wheeled (folding bicycles), the key to pollution and traffic reduction, are at particular risk.

The surface on the approach to Skeldergate from Ouse Bridge is so treacherous that it is almost impossible to give a hand signal while turning left.

But on the periphery (Whitby Avenue, in the vicinity of Hempland School and into Whitby Drive), the mixed tar/pebble surface has long since broken down.

The effect is compounded by the awful underlying slab construction going back to the 1930s.

This is the section used to train children in road safety and on learning to ride a bicycle.

I think that everyone involved would be grateful for attention to this problem.

David Morris, Priory Street, York.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "The council has not received any reports of problems with the road surface in the Ouse Bridge/Skeldergate area, but an engineer will now inspect the site.

"We are aware of some problems in Whitby Avenue, but nothing that would prevent cycle training being carried out in the area.

"The road is on the list of schemes under review, but under the council's criteria, the road does not require resurfacing in its present condition."