Sir – May I respond to Chris Day’s letter (December 19) written in reply to mine of the previous week: angry – no, frustrated – yes. Among road users, whether car or cyclists, there are good and bad.

The problem is the law of physics. It has been found that when a ton of steel and a human body come sharply into contact, it can result in some damage to the body. This puts cyclists into a very vulnerable position, resulting in possible death or serious injury.

The Highway Code and traffic laws were introduced in an attempt to minimise that risk. There are too many cyclists who ignore this Law of Physics, the advice in the Highway Code and the law. (Yes — they are not the only ones, but they do tend to come off worst.)

Any attempt to raise this matter is met by howls of protest from the cycling brotherhood. Why do they seem so keen to see their fellow riders, maimed or killed? A while back I suggested that, many coming up to Oxford, probably have not ridden a bike for years or in a city such as Oxford, should receive basic training and possibly a certificate of competence.

The cycling brotherhood’s reaction —”They don’t do that in Holland”. All criticism is met with a similar reaction. This time I suggested that police officers, on seeing a breach of law/Highway Code should prosecute, as it is their job to uphold the law and not to turn a blind eye.

In response, up pops Chris Day, saying that police have limited resources — ie cyclists should be left alone. Any attempt to get all cyclists to ride in a responsible manner is jumped upon. The sooner the cycling brotherhood accept there are problems, the sooner matters will improve.

Brian Wallis, Middle Barton