Oxford Mail readers have given their views after cycling campaigner Andy Chivers said people should cycle and not drive if their journey is under five miles.

Some on Facebook agreed with Cyclox’s Mr Chivers but others explained why this would not always be possible - or what they would choose to do.

MICHAEL LAING: “It’s interesting that most of the comments seem to be from people who either haven’t read the article or woefully have misread what its meaning.

“I must admit, I rarely cycle nowadays because I am in London and there are a lot of nutters on the road (I say this as a driver). One of my favourite moments each day is seeing what must be a little old lady cycling her push bike every day. She is much braver than I and she is travelling miles.

“But I spent 30+ years cycling regularly and I have to say it made a dramatic difference to my health and weight. If I lived somewhere slightly quieter, I would go back to cycling again.”

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LAURA GILES: “Obviously not everyone can even ride a bike, whether it be they haven’t learnt and don’t want to or because of a disability or old age.

“I’m sure also that they don’t expect you to cycle in certain weathers... hail, snow and such.

“My bike is currently needing a service and fixing but as soon as I’ve done that I’ll definitely be cycling again.

“I do agree though, there are some dodgy drivers out there, but then there are also cyclists that can be just as annoying for drivers - and no I don’t drive, but I have family who do and have been a passenger when seeing risk taker cyclists.

“Personally I just get off my bike when I come to a road I feel is too risky and I also always take advantage of cycle paths, especially if they are on the pavement.”

ANDY WICKHAM: “Walking would be the best logical solution to help the environment and planet - however just the 5 mile walk would add an extra 15 hrs a week to a working pattern of just going to and from work.”

EMMA MATHIESON: “Nope I would never get anywhere if I had to walk.”

ROB PRATLEY: “Yes if Boris sort out the cycle paths everywhere so we don’t risk being ran off the road - simple.”

CARL MORRIS: “‘...but our need for traffic lights...and all the trappings of roads designed for motors is minimal’.

“100% true - When was the last time anyone saw a cyclist obey a traffic light?”

MARCIN WALISZEWSKI: “First fix the narrow and poorly maintain roads. Then be aware that one cyclist creeping up the hill on his perfect 4.3 miles distance in the rush hours causes massive traffic behind - anger, running late and more pollution from cars.

“Also what had happened in Windmill Road is simply unacceptable - the main road from Churchill Hospital has been narrowed by cyclist lines which slowed down ambulances coming and causes giant traffic. But posh local cyclists on his expensive bikes looking up the others don’t even realise what’s going on around.”

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MARK TAYLOR: “So if my place of work is 5 miles or less I should cycle it.... hmm - don’t think a pushbike would carry a 78lb tool box and all the stock I require. I will stick to my diesel transit.”

MARKO BJELIC: “As long as it doesn’t rain, why not!”

DAWN PAINTING: “There need to be more cycle tracks.”

COLIN PARROTT: “So what you’re saying is that a police car should be on a bike. Deluded.”

LAURA GILES: “To be fair 5 miles isn’t that far - as soon as my bike is repaired I’ll definitely be back on the bike.”

JANE HIBBERD: “Then send your shopping back in a taxi.”

JULIE NEIBICH: “How ridiculous..not everyone is able to ride a bike around.

“What about the sick, elderly, or disabled?

“Or the parent with 2 or 3 little ones? Or your weekly grocery shopping? Or in the pouring rain, hail, or snow?”

DOUG TORRENT-LIM: “Julie Neibich just to play devil’s advocate, I’m a wheelchair user and push a mile with my daughter when she cycles to school every day.”

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MICHELLE HARRIS: “The article literally says that that they recognise that cycling isn’t always an option, and rightly so, but it is neither ridiculous nor idiotic to encourage those who can make a journey by bicycle to do so; or to advocate for improvements to cycling infrastructure, and other changes, that helps cycling be seen as a viable option.”