SIR -- Your article about illegal cycling at Bicester (Oxford Mail, August 5) was another example of the way riders flout the law.

The same day, on your Letters page, Laurence Hughes put it all into perspective. I don't believe the majority of cyclists can read English or they would obey the rules.

Unlike the reader who wrote to say that cyclists always use the cycle lanes, anyone in Cowley will tell you that that is far from the truth.

We share a cycle lane/footpath around the ring road clearly marked with a big white line. So many times I have been almost pushed into the hedge by young people cycling two and three abreast.

The cycle areas in Shotover Country Park have signs to show cyclists where they can and cannot ride. Often we see them riding across a wild flower meadow to use the special path for the disabled and for pushchairs. They have a good cycle path through and round the woods to Shotover Hill. Why do they need to cut the corner when they are out for a so-called pleasure ride?

As Mr Hughes says, it is time the police did something to stop this behaviour. Perhaps it would be helpful if all cycles were licensed. Maybe then their owners would feel part of society.

MARY STIFF

Corunna Crescent

Cowley

Oxford