• FURTHER to Chris Fagg (Selfish cyclists & joggers, February 4), as a regular runner and walker and occasional cyclist I am the first to agree that runners and cyclists have primary responsibility for getting out of the way of slower-moving pedestrians.

And the actions of those who do not show such consideration are to be deplored.

But I very much appreciate it when running (most of us don’t like the term “jogging”) if walkers, seeing me approach on a path of limited width, move to one side to allow us to pass one another at distance more easily.

A bit of give and take goes a long way and any small act of kindness in these difficult times is especially valued.

A few other points… First, runners and cyclists are “ordinary” users of Hampstead Heath or any other open space as much as walkers.

Secondly, in the midst of a pandemic where a respiratory disease is in circulation, we are surely to be applauded for keeping our heart and lungs in good shape rather than accused (incorrectly, as a matter of fact in the case of runners) of taking up valuable NHS resources for knee and hip replacements and to deal with the result of collisions?

Thirdly, if I didn’t have my daily run in lockdown my mental health would surely suffer. My way of dealing with the pressures is as valid as Chris Fagg’s or anyone else’s.

Finally, while I agree it can be unnerving to be passed by someone not at the appropriate social distance, there is some comfort to be taken from the fact that we are advised that the chance of catching Covid-19 by such fleeting contact is remote.

Kindness and tolerance on all sides, please!

LIZ JOHNSON, NW6