What is it about cyclists’ mentality that makes them consider themselves, not only above the law but, so ignorantly righteous when causing havoc to other road & pavement users?

As I recently succumbed to foot damage and am temporarily reliant on crutches, I have spent time utilising my free bus pass and walking the streets of Oxford in between stops.

I hadn't realised just how vast the problem had become.

Law-breaking cyclists are no longer a small minority. They have little or no respect for pedestrians – even for those of visibly restricted capacity like me.

At least most motorists are kind enough to stop & let me cross the road. Most cyclists don’t – even at zebra crossings.

Cyclists pass on the pavement at excessive speed and when this is from the rear, the risk of an accident, should I move across the pavement, is high.

When I stopped a Japanese couple in Old Marston and asked why they were cycling on the pavement, they thought it was a shared environment, as they had seen so many local cyclists do this.

At least they were apologetic and careful, unlike our homegrown, frequently foul-mouthed ignorant variety.

On a short stretch of 5ft-wide pavement adjacent to the BMW Mini plant in Cowley I was told by a speeding cyclist that “'it’s for cyclists too'”.

The fact that I need a little extra width for my crutches had passed him by – as he passed me by.

Mick Heavey Oxford Road Old Marston Oxford