MR D WHITE (letters, January 30)  has asked the same question I have been meaning to for a while now.  

Why do cyclists insist on putting themselves in danger and causing hold-ups for everyone else when a pleasant and safe alternative exists, namely the cycle trail? The stretch of the A386 from Yelverton to Plymouth is fast and notoriously dangerous and yet I have been in the car or sitting on a bus while a cyclist ploughs along, head down, seemingly oblivious to the long queue of traffic behind.

The only answer I have been given from a cycling friend is that you have to slow down for other users on the cycle trail, whereas you can go as fast as you like on the road.

I am not anti-cyclist at all, but it seems contrary to say the least.

R Godwin

Tavistock

I HAVE been using the A386 for 40 years and in my experience, although a lot of cyclists use the road, there are very few family groups — it is too dangerous.

The excellent cycle route is very well used by cyclists including many family groups.

However, there is currently a very steep and rough patch just south of Clearbrook only suitable for mountain bikes and the cycle route does not go anywhere near Plymouth city centre or Derriford hospital, two common destinations, thus forcing cyclists to use the dangerous A386 across Roborough Down.

Cyclists are far more at risk from potholes than motorists overtaking them, but cyclists have an equal right with motorists to ride on the highway.

I would also point out that motorists are held up by heavy trucks, JCBs and tractors.

Maybe they should use the cycle track as well!

R Hodgson

Yelverton

THE Mr Toad-like arrogance of D White (letters, January 30) is incredible.

The A386, like any other road, is a public highway and thus available to all road users, including cyclists and for that matter pedestrians.

The Drake's Trail cycle route is in fact being used, but any cycle route going from A to B will not be used by cyclists wishing to go from C to D.

As for families on bicycles, that is one of the most encouraging signs to emerge among the cycling community for decades.

Perhaps I should add that, like many cyclists, I am a motorist as well, so I already pay my 'toll' for the use of the road. One could suggest that more of the licence fee (once called the road fund licence) should be spent on the roads, but that's a separate issue.

David Jowett

Deer Park Road

Tavistock