I AM writing in response to two letters published in the Evening Press (January 9) which raised a number of points about the planning application submitted by York City Council for cycle paths across Walmgate Stray.

I am a long-time York resident, dog owner and cyclist and I have no objection to cyclists; indeed cycling is a very healthy and sensible mode of transport in a city not built to accommodate the traffic which now passes through it.

My objection to the proposal is that it will lead to the carving up of one of the few green open spaces left reasonably close to the city centre where dog owners can allow their pets off the lead in the knowledge that they will not be run over by a cyclist.

The New Walk, which is another area where dogs are exercised, already has a cycle track running through it and my experience here shows that dogs and cycles do not mix.

Many times my dog and I have nearly been knocked over by cyclists who fail to observe the white dividing line between the footpath and cycle path.

Many cyclists seem to believe that they are at liberty to use the footpaths in the city as they see fit and to observe no speed limits. The result is that they are a danger both to people, especially children, and dogs.

York is already well provided with cycle paths and their intrusion into our precious open spaces is not only unnecessary, but the thin end of a wedge which will lead to street lighting, litter bins, and - who knows? - even refreshment kiosks! For the sake of our precious open spaces let's leave Walmgate Stray alone!

Charmian Ottaway,

Sandringham Street,

York.

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