Sir – I think the correspondent last week who objected to cycling pressure groups and suggested a toll for cyclists crossing Magdalen Bridge has missed the point.

Some 29,000 deaths a year in the UK are currently attributed to air pollution by NO2 and PM2.5 particulates emanating from road vehicles.

Cyclists do not cause pollution or congestion nor do they do any damage to the architectural heritage of the city; making cycling an environmental alternative to the car.

Walking rather than driving is equally good for the city but for many journeys of over two miles that are not on a regular or direct bus route cycling is the only realistic environmental alternative.

Hence the city council has actually invited the various cycling groups in the town to come to consultations and make proposals for safety improvements to the road network in order to encourage more people to cycle.

As for who pays for what: The roads in central Oxford are rights of way for all means of transport not the specific preserve of those who have paid road tax.

Many cyclists do pay road tax because they also own a car, but choose to make their journey to the city centre by bike for health, fitness, cost, enjoyment and environmental reasons. As for what they cost the NHS — surely the health benefits of cycling rather than driving outweigh the costs of cycling injuries?

Finally, these sweeping generalisations are so unhelpful. Many cyclists certainly cycle badly but the vast majority do not. Some motorists park on double yellow lines and speed through built up areas. Is that the reason for the London congestion charge?

Cecilia Fry, East Oxford