IT was amusing to read Leo Enticknap's sweeping generalisations (April 10). As a driver, cyclist and father who walks around York, I would like to ask Leo, and his whiter than white motoring friends, to ponder the following simple road rules.

Zebra crossings are not an inconvenient obstacle to be ignored, they allow pedestrians to cross the road. A pedestrian who is already crossing a road is not an inconvenient obstacle, they have the right of way.

The green road areas at traffic lights are for cyclists, not motorists. Ditto cycle lanes.

A cyclist should be given a wide berth when overtaking. If this isn't possible, wait until it is rather than pushing them into the gutter.

An amber light indicates that a red light is imminent and the motorist should get ready to stop; a red light indicates a driver should stop.

Having lived in several cities around the world, I have to conclude that York drivers are some of the most inconsiderate motorists towards pedestrians, cyclists and fellow drivers that I have ever come across.

Walt Buchan,

Fountayne Street, York.

...LEO Enticknap states that "dangerous cycling can, and does, cause accidents". Very true - but then, so does dangerous driving and dangerous walking. Is there a point he's trying to make, or does he just think that cyclists are a convenient target?

I do upwards of 10,000 miles per year by bicycle, and it annoys me to see a minority of idiots breaking the law, be it on four wheels or two; but the root cause is policing, or the lack of it.

If HM Constabulary makes no attempt to stop such people, the miscreants will think they can get away with it. Human nature, and all that.

A piece of advice to Mr Enticknap - get some decent mileage in on a bike. See how the other half live, so to speak. Who knows, after the umpteenth driver has tried to turn you into axle lubricant, it might stop you spouting ill-informed rubbish in the future.

Dr Simon Ward,

Barons Crescent,

Copmanthorpe, York.

Updated: 11:22 Tuesday, April 15, 2003