Letter was right about bike issue

18/ 4/2008

MAY I respond to C Saunders by saying that I agree that cycling on the pavement is not "minor".

It is, however, perceived this way by some people and the police as minor at every opportunity.

Whilst our politicians, most notably Jack Straw, made cycling on the pavement an on-the-spot fine offence, it is rarely policed.

It has been illegal since 1836 but Mr Straw made it subject to spot fine initiatives.

These now stand at £30 for each offence. However, it continues to be ignored, like so many other laws our politicians have created.

Whilst we face enforcement complacency because of a lack of resources, victims will have to recognise that this "minor" issue remains a problem.

Until those in authority realise that minor issues lead to worse consequences later we will not be on the way to a better future.

At the moment we remain in a situation where people will continue to be frightened by aggressive cyclists acting illegally on the pavement. Fortunately, the bad cycling apples are few, but they are a rotten resource.

GRAHAM CLIFF

Raven Road, Timperley