I FULLY agree with Mr Reynolds (Letters, May 3) that cyclists should pay some form of road tax.

To start a system of registering all bicycles would be almost impossible, but a one-off tax at point-of-sale for new bicycles would be the easiest answer.

As for the amount, about half of what the average motorist pays, say £50, would appear to be reasonable. After all, look what they save in bus fares.

I also note that it is now compulsory for all new bicycles to be fitted with a bell, how about adding lights and a copy of the highway code?

Finally, please spare us any more of the tired old arguments about pollution.

Cyclists may not emit any pollution but the habit of giving cyclists priority at traffic lights means they then compel the following traffic to crawl along producing far more pollution than they would if they were not blocked by cyclists.

Mike Usherwood,

Mendip Close,

Huntington, York.

...I READ with great interest the letters that regularly crop up condemning car drivers and cyclists alike.

Dr Simon Ward's comment about some cyclists possessing cars (May 5) made me sit up.

Do some of these cyclists who think that they can do what they want on the roads without consideration for pedestrians or other road users, actually get behind the wheels of the car? Four wheels instead of two spells double trouble.

Robert Munro commented on cars passing through Micklegate when the traffic lights are on red. Prepare to be amazed Mr Munro, come and watch what happens at St Leonard's Place traffic lights.

If I had a pound for every time I see a bicycle going through lights at red, I would be retiring from work tomorrow.

Cynthia Berry,

Far Ings,

Wigginton Road, York.

...IN reply to Joyce Martin (Evening Press May 8), perhaps so many men cycle on the pavement because they know their mummies are out driving on the roads.

AL Rowntree,

Walmer Carr,

Wigginton, York.

Updated: 11:29 Wednesday, May 12, 2004