MR GODWIN and Mr Jowett are quite correct when they say that cyclists have an equal right to use the roads, however, with the increased volume and speed of traffic today they perhaps ought to consider whether it is wise.

Paying your road fund licence for your car actually only entitles you to use that car on the road and yes, more of that should be used to repair the potholes, but if cyclists want to use the roads to commute, use as their own personal race tracks, take over public footpaths for mountain biking and have specialised cycle paths built then perhaps they should make some contribution towards it.

Regarding the letter from Chris Dicker about the railway extension to Tavistock, although I would like to see this happen I too have concerns about its viability.

I do think the main line should be repaired at Dawlish but there is now talk of an alternative route. Both the populations of Tavistock and Okehampton are increasing rapidly so this is a golden opportunity for our councils to campaign for the reopening of the whole line between Bere Alston and Okehampton giving people access to both Plymouth  and London.

As an added bonus, if the Government instead of a private company were to take this on we would not have to have the 750 houses that would have to be built to secure just a link to Tavistock.

How about it Devon and West Devon councils?

Paul Mercer 

Ivy Cottage

Peter Tavy

R GODWIN'S comment from his friend is interesting when he says that the cycle path is too slow, yet on the highway they can go as fast as they like! Not so, a cyclist also has to obey the speed limits — maybe the police should set up a radar trap at Horrabridge on Sundays and book all cyclists heading to Tavistock exceeding the 30mph limit. Some days they would get 10 to 20 in one hit, at £50 a ticket this would fill a few potholes!

R Hodgson comments the cycle route goes nowhere near Derriford or Plymouth Centre — look at http://www.drakestrail.co.uk/pdfs/dt-main-leaflet.2013.pdf">http://www.drakestrail.co.uk/pdfs/dt-main-leaflet.2013.pdf as the route goes straight to the France ,Spain Ferry Port at Millbay, ideal route for commuters.

Now on to Mr Jowett's comments, as a hardened cyclist should he not be setting an example to all the new pedal power that has taken off due to our success from the 2012 Olympics for cycling, and promote and use the dedicated cycle path?

Or is he another up and coming Mr Wiggin's Lycra-clad, backside in the air, head down cyclist that rides two and even three abreast on the road, because he has a right to do so, and when a motorist gets a bit close he gives the verbal and middle finger.

To sum up from the comments it would appear that millions have been spent on the cycle route for day trippers and sightseers, and not to get cyclists off the dangerous A386 highway. Maybe one of our councillors would like to put their comments forward please.

Just a thought — could the path be opened to small 50cc motorcycles/scooters at commuter times to and from Plymouth? I for one would re-kindle my love of motorbikes and use this and leave the car at home.

D White

Tavistock