YORK has Clingons on the starboard bow. I refer to the cling-on-to-the-kerb buses that threaten my daily journey to work. This breed of bus driver is inconsiderate towards the cyclist, especially when cycle and bus lanes merge.

The Mount is a classic case. It can be difficult to squeeze past this errant squatting vehicle and reach the cycle space at the front. This area can also be taken up by the bus's snout, leaving the cyclist little option but form a "snake" alongside. When the lights turn to green this can be a nasty place to be.

Along Tadcaster Road double yellow lines mean nothing to some vehicles and again the cyclist has to navigate carefully around them.

Having an uncaring multi-ton bus tearing up behind you is not conducive to a pleasant pedal into York. If our council is serious about making more people leave their cars behind and take up cycling, then they must meet the cyclist half way. The ideal and safest option, however, is to separate motorised transport from cyclists completely.

Phil Shepherdson,

Chantry Close,

Woodthorpe, York

Updated: 10:35 Thursday, July 10, 2003