Have the York cycling "spokespersons" taken leave of their senses? Another letter, this time from the doyen of sensible cycling Paul Hepworth, attacking the sick and disabled. (April 22)

Mr Hepworth is the one who should take time off and go to the District Hospital to carry out a survey in the reception area.

He would soon discover most of the people there could not cycle to their own front gate let alone tackle a ride to hospital.

Cycling is one of many forms of exercise. It is a great pastime, but it is not a form of public transport.

Why? First, it is for many a fair-weather activity. Secondly, it is not universally available to all the citizens, including those whose need treatment at the District Hospital. There are over 1,000 blind people who cannot cycle, and also the disabled, the elderly and those with young children.

Perhaps the city council should look again at the amount of public funds being spent on the 15 per cent of citizens who cycle.

Every pound spent on cycling facilities is a pound that could be spent on a public transport system that could be used by everyone. Every person who is persuaded to cycle is one less to support public transport.

D Buckley,

Keith Avenue,

Huntington,

York.

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