I WAS interested to read Mary Absley?s letter about the Granite Way cycle path (Times, May 22).

Most people, I?m sure, deplore the behaviour of those few cyclists who ride recklessly and at speeds which cause potential danger or annoyance to other path users. However, I would suggest that this is not confined to cycle paths or the result of tarmac surfaces.

It is important to recognise that there are very good reasons why tarmac is thought of as the surface of choice for cycle paths. These include:

The durability of tarmac means that it lasts longer than other surfaces and is thus more acceptable to taxpayers. Part of the Granite Way is shared with horseriders and tarmac effectively resists damage caused by hooves ? other surfaces do not.

Tarmac is in fact safer for cycling as it provides better grip, especially when braking or cornering.

It is smoother and consequently makes it usable by wheelchairs and easier for child and novice cyclists.

I have ridden the Camel Trail on many occasions and I have to say that the surface is badly pitted in places and extremely messy when cycling in the wet due to puddles. It can also throw up large quantities of fine dust when dry which is not only unpleasant but can damage bikes.

In conclusion, I have every sympathy with Ms Absley when faced with speeding cyclists but would hate to think that the problem was responded to with ill-considered or inappropriate measures. Cycling has an important part to play in reducing the pollution and congestion caused by motor vehicles, so let?s not make the mistake of discouraging potential cyclists by making it difficult.

Chris Ruoff

(Cycle ranger on the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route)

Cadwell,

Drakewalls,

Gunnislake