I HAVE every sympathy with the parish council's attitude towards irresponsible cyclists in the Burrator Reservoir and Sheepstor areas.

The main problem I think is not the speed of the cyclists, after all cars travel faster, but the fact that there is no warning of their impending arrival. Having a bell would solve this but, then, perhaps that would ruin their image! Even shouting a warning would be better than nothing.

However, the cyclists are not entirely to blame. As a regular cyclist round the reservoir, not at any great speed, I have frequently encountered walkers with prams, dogs and children on bikes who spread themselves across the road with no awareness of other road users, and, after all it is a public road.

One walker once told me when I asked for some room, that walkers have priority over cyclists!

Whether this is true or not is beside the point, a bit of common sense and courtesy on all sides would alleviate most of the problems.

Tony Rushbrooke

via email