I am a pensioner who cycles every day and have a five-minute ride before reaching the cycle path along Southend seafront.

I always use the footpath to reach the cycle path.

With the lack of consideration of some car drivers, I feel it is the safest option.

Car doors open just as one is about to pass a vehicle, cars pass me with oncoming traffic with little room to do so, even for a very skilled driver. A cyclist has no protection and, if hit by a car, the consequence is often fatal.

In most areas the footpath is rarely used by pedestrians and if I do meet any I show the utmost respect.

What about children who cycle to school? I would not like to think my grandchildren would be allowed on the road, especially during the mad school rush in the morning.

Would it not be better to have a cycle ban in busy areas such as the High Street and shopping areas, and make the fines very heavy in these places, as there is no need for cyclist to ride in these areas anyway.

Cyclists in other areas who do not show respect for pedestrians could be prosecuted the same as drivers are. I believe common sense needs to be used in this situation and the whole picture considered instead of councillor David Norman making a sweeping statement for all cyclists to be banned.

Cyclist
Thorpe Bay
(Full name and address supplied)