• RECENT letters on anti-social cycling sorely need some context and a sense of proportion.

I don’t in any way excuse rude, inconsiderate or potentially dangerous behaviour. It should be subject to widespread disapprobation.

However, such a keen focus on the behaviour of one type of road user to the exclusion of others – in particular a mode which does have great benefits for users and society alike – is unhelpful.

So, the context.

Firstly, it is often assumed that bicycle users are more law-breaking than other road users. The evidence, however, is the opposite.

Department for Transport data shows that 85 per cent of car drivers exceed 20mph speed limits in free-flowing traffic; I cannot think of any street in my area where, at any one time, anything like 85 per cent of cyclists could be seen breaking the law.

The perception of bicycle riders as unusually law-breaking is purely societal. Many have decided that drivers’ everyday transgressions, such as speeding, are not really crimes, but they are much quicker to castigate a social out-group such as cyclists.

Secondly, people who use bikes should not be subjected to collective accountability for an individual’s actions.

Where there is misbehaviour among bike users it is a problem and it is a matter for the relevant authorities and broad social censure.

Thirdly, people on bicycles are fundamentally less dangerous than those in motor vehicles.

Drivers are not necessarily any more reckless than cyclists, but when they are the consequences can be far worse.

When people do cycle badly, they are probably just thoughtless people who also behave selfishly in other contexts.

People cycle as it is an enjoyable, convenient, and health-giving transport mode.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED, N5