I READ with disbelief the advice given by Phil Shepherdson that we should all drive into town rather than cycle because of the alleged dangers which he encountered (March 20).

It was even more surprising that someone should write a letter of agreement (Dale Minks, March 24).

Mr Shepherdson took the route into town which I have followed, on a bicycle, most working days for the last 16 years.

Yes, St Helens Road does get busy at peak times, but why does he, as a cyclist, only feel safe walking on the pavement?

The bicycle is a vehicle and should behave as such.

If the rider encounters queuing traffic he simply waits safely at the back of the line until the queue moves forward. If only a small number of vehicles are waiting, he can, with care and good observation, move outside the traffic to the safe haven in the forward box provided for cyclists.

As for all the litter and parked cars blocking the cycle lane on Tadcaster Road, where are they?

In 16 years it has been a rare occasion when I was not able to ride freely along that stretch of road all the way to The Mount.

Now for the "five-headed monster" in Blossom Street. Again, with careful observation, the cyclist can safely signal his intention to move into the correct position, about level with The Crescent.

Just occasionally it will not be possible to move over, in which case cyclists should wait safely by the left-hand kerb until their way across is clear.

Trevor Godfrey

Bramble Dene,

Woodthorpe, York

Updated: 10:45 Monday, March 29, 2004