• AS much as I am annoyed by bicycles on the pavement, I prefer to have them there than killed on the road.

After a lifetime cycling, I have been very lucky in the only two accidents I have had. A pedestrian suddenly ran across the road without looking, so causing me to jam on my brakes and sending me over the crossbar, very painful. The next was a doctor who suddenly opened her side door. I remembered a cyclist recently killed by the same mindless behaviour. I was very angry and fortunately there had been a police station close by, so I took her to court. She had an expensive barrister, I only had a policeman, and I lost. But I had the satisfaction of knowing she would be unlikely to make the same mistake again as it must have cost her a lot.

I think cyclists need medals for their courage these days because the traffic is always getting worse, as are some of the drivers.

ANITA BROOKS, NW3