IT MAY not be fashionable to praise City of York Council, but I would like to express my appreciation of the measures they are taking to encourage cycling in the city centre as a means to cut the congestion that so many of us experience every day.

Not having learned as a child, I have benefited from their excellent value adult cycle training, and the network of cycle routes is a great help to the practising beginner.

I was shocked, however, to discover on my way to work this morning that the community of cyclists already on the roads appear not to welcome additions to their number.

As I was carefully negotiating the slow-moving and unpredictable traffic on Bootham, a man weaving dangerously between cars shouted something rude at me, suggesting that he had a greater right to use

the roads than I did.

Perhaps he would like to consider his own reasons for cycling in the rush hour? Maybe he prefers to freewheel past stationary traffic instead of sitting in traffic jams - me too!

Or does he appreciate the chance to include some exercise in his day? Me too! If he enjoys the fresh air, I agree with him! Any other activity in York, whether sporting or musical, welcomes new members, but apparently not cycling.

I hope the gentleman in question realises the impression he is giving of local cyclists, but I also hope that others will join me in reducing traffic jams and pollution by cycling to work - and will let the benefits outweigh the occasional rudeness.

Sarah Bosworth,

Burton Stone Lane,

York.

Updated: 10:54 Wednesday, May 17, 2006