I HAVE never before written to a newspaper but felt moved to respond to Duncan Anderson's letter (Viewpoint, Monday, September 6).

As a motorist I have never had to brake sharply for a cyclist pulling out, though I have for numerous cars, at least one truck and a tractor.

Although cyclists are not licensed, and do not have to be insured to use the road, they are, by law, entitled to do so. It is the responsibility of all road users to do so with due care and attention.

With regard to the ill-conceived cycle path between Barton and Barrow, it was already a footpath and is supposed to accommodate cyclists, pedestrians, push chairs, wheelchairs and dog walkers.

It is not wide enough to allow overtaking, being about the width of a bicycle in places.

Perhaps Mr Anderson would understand, if he took a closer look, why some cyclists prefer to use the road.

I write not as a keen cyclist, but as someone who with a friend decided to try out the so-called cycle path, once only.

I fell from my bike having hit my thigh on a bollard where the path is very narrow.

Perhaps I should have dismounted and walked on that part.

How would Mr Anderson feel if he had to get out of his car at narrow parts of the road, or each time a vehicle approached from the opposite direction?

Perhaps he would then understand cyclists who wish to use the road in order to progress at their normal speed.

Judith Land

Brigg Road, Barton-Upon-Humber.