IN an effort to keep fit and reduce my carbon footprint, for the last couple of years I have cycled to work when possible.

My daily journey from Cholsey to Wallingford and back, has become easier with the addition of a set of panniers and some good lights so that I can continue to cycle during the winter months.

You can imagine my disappointment when I recently discovered that my bike had been stolen from outside my house, one Saturday evening.

I should explain at this point, that, although the bike was serviceable, it was well-used, and therefore unlikely to be worth much to anybody else.

I duly reported the crime to the local police in the hope that it may turn up.

Soon I found myself slipping back into old habits, using the car more often and starting to feel less fit.

So you can imagine my delight, when the bike was spotted by a neighbour a week or so later, outside the local Tesco Express.

Although I was really pleased to have it back, I was sorry to see the state that it was in.

Minus the panniers, several lights and most of the saddle, as well as a broken back brake and gears, it had clearly taken a hammering.

After spending £58 on a new saddle and panniers, and thanks to my brother’s practical skills, the bike is nearly roadworthy again.

To conclude, this mindless act which has caused much inconvenience and expense could have been avoided if the person responsible had knocked on my door and asked if they could borrow it.

Perhaps they might have the good grace to own up and apologise for what they did, or, better still, to think about the consequences of their actions in the future.

LEE RYMAN, The Forty, Cholsey, Wallingford