AS a lifelong cyclist I find your feature on cycling in the Evening Press most interesting (May 9).

Certainly, of all the technical innovations of the last 200 years, unlike the airplane, motor car, and telephone, the humble bicycle is the least abused.

I first took up serious cycling in 1947 after demobilisation from the RAF. I paid £35 for a lightweight machine, which was considered a big amount in those days.

However, the frame lasted for more than 30 years and travelled thousands of miles. With my friend, Ray Shoebridge, I used to go out every weekend either to the coast or the Dales - we both belonged to York Clarion Cycling Club.

Holidays were spent touring, usually in the West Country and we twice got to Land's End.

Traffic in those days was minimal and one could enjoy the fresh air, plus the sights and smells of the countryside.

Although I am now an octogenarian, I recently bought a new bicycle, and still enjoy short runs almost every day.

Thanks to City of York Council we are now getting safe local cycle paths and to Sustrans for providing amenities such as the York-Selby track, and other nationwide cycleways.

This clean and healthy form of transport needs all the encouragement it can get.

Dennis H Bradley,

White Rose Grove,

New Earswick, York.

Updated: 11:21 Tuesday, May 24, 2005