A BAD idea, no matter how well intentioned, is still a bad idea.

I refer to the pathetic idea of the cycle lanes recently created in Chaloners Road.

As a cyclist, this road is very dangerous to cycle down because of the numerous cars parked both sides of the road, thus effectively narrowing it to little more than a single lane (race) track.

Caught here on a cycle, while a car decides to drive at you head on, is not a pleasant experience.

However, putting lines down hasn't solved any problems or moved the parked cars away because without driveways or garage facilities the only option for these car owners is to park on the road, or on the grass verge.

Why haven't these verges (which between them, are wider than the road itself) been cut back to broaden this well-used thoroughfare?

If that is too expensive then another option is to create a cycle path off the road by utilising these grass verges.

After all, the young kids of today already ride upon our footpaths and frighten the pedestrians.

But with my bad experience of riding down Chaloners Road I feel like joining this errant band.

Phil Shepherdson,

Chantry Close,

Woodthorpe, York.

Updated: 10:51 Tuesday, April 17, 2001