Sir – I feel I must respond to Herbert Allen who continues to object to cyclists cycling on the road when there is also a cycle path available.

Citing Marston Ferry road as an example he asserts that cyclists ‘shouldn’t be there’ and those who cycle on the road are typically ‘sleekly arrogant mature show-offs’. Herbert also explains that he’s regularly dazzled by other drivers.

If we look to the Highway Code for advice it states slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by oncoming headlights.

The Highway Code also states that the use of cycle paths is at the cyclist’s discretion.

I can however understand Herbert’s point of view, but it is short-sighted. Although I tend to use this cycle path I can assure Herbert that there are rational reasons why people may choose otherwise.

Please consider that children going to and from school walk and cycle on this cycle path. They can be unpredictable and often don’t take notice of you ringing your bell to warn them of your presence.

At night, pedestrians can suddenly appear, seemingly from nowhere. This can be unnerving, particularly considering the undergrowth where an assailant could hide and be hidden from any passing motorists.

This cycle path is not gritted or regularly cleared. You can slip on ice, and broken glass easily causes punctures.

A fast cyclist will cover the length of this cycle path in four minutes. Once you have tackled the subway and then the pedestrian crossing at the other end it can double the time it takes to cycle this relatively short distance.

Finally as a cyclist you get used to most cycle paths hindering your journey.

When you see a cycle path you have not used before, experience tells you that you’ll be better on the road where the majority of drivers and considerate and give you plenty of space when they pass rather than choosing to take an unpredictable alternative.

Philip Swan, Appleford