PLEASE can we stop this tedious debate on cars and bikes.

As I've already said, there are faults on both sides. I believe the problem stems from a lack of respect for each other. I can't see why Mike Usherwood has such a problem, same as I can't see why Paul Hepworth thinks he's right.

If both had a life, they would accept each other and get on with it - without arguing.

I do think, as a cyclist, the green lanes are dangerous, stupid and pointless (why can't people learn to ride like my parents did); and, as a motorist, that they are a waste of money, dangerous and stupid.

Just get on with each other. Believe me, there's more to life than transport.

Stu Russell,

Burnholme Drive,

Heworth, York.

...RICHARD Shiels clearly thinks I am irresponsible. My daughter, who is nearly 13, rides the Blossom Street and Nunnery Lane area with me most days and we have done so since Jess was nine or ten.

Although Jess rarely cycles in the city alone, this is more out of fear of theft of her expensive bike than fear of motor traffic. Jess learned the skills of the road at a young age, and was helped by the excellent advanced cycling tuition from City of York Council. This has resulted in a youngster who has developed a passion for cycle racing and for the countryside and the quality of her urban environment, rather than developing into an obese litter-bug with nothing to do in the holidays.

Ok, Jess is an extreme case, having six bikes, but she is about to spend her school holidays cycling 2,000km for York's Snappy charity - with me of course.

I would wholeheartedly recommend that parents and schools give their full support to "Bike It!" because the more cyclists there are using the road, the more aware drivers become and the safer it is for everyone.

Andy Scaife,

Suffolk House,

Lowther Terrace, York.

Updated: 10:57 Monday, June 28, 2004