MADAM,

I refer to recent correspondence regarding the safety of cyclists.

May I raise the question of the safety of pedestrians? This seems to be something which is ignored.

I walk regularly in the Penallt area and often use the roads which include many stretches of narrow lanes. At this time of year these are made even narrower by the abundant vegetation growing in from the sides. As a walker I find that many motorists will press on at speed in spite of the narrow spaces involved. These people have no consideration for a walker and just seem hell-bent on driving these narrow country lanes as fast as possible. Little thought seems to be given to the fact that there could be a horse rider, cyclist or another vehicle around the next bend.

Mr Cummings mentions cyclists’ speeds of 5 to 25mph. Presumably he has not seen the cyclists who descend the hill on the Trellech road into Monmouth; I have clocked these at around 40mph on occasions. I also see no mention of the groups of cyclists who will often ride two or three-abreast on this busy road.

I wouldn’t argue with the right of a cyclist to be on the road but sometimes their behaviour can generate ill feeling.

I don’t know if the Highway Code stipulates a clearance distance for walkers; perhaps cyclists have more effective lobbying than walkers do.

Derek Rigby

(Penallt)