Dedicated bike routes over Hampstead Heath?

• AS a regular user of the Heath, walking, running, enjoying the space and the peace, I was alarmed to read your report that cyclists are pushing once again for dedicated bike routes over the Heath (Cyclists push for more routes on Hampstead Heath, February 8).

I’m not against cycling, but I am very much for the Heath, whose great attraction and value is that it is a place for pedestrians.

A place where anyone, young or old, can wander, meander, run or stroll with their dog, without having to be on the look out for some faster road user coming up behind them.

To give cycling campaigns what they want is to introduce regulation of pedestrian freedom on the Heath. I feel strongly that this is something that should be non-negotiable.

MICHAEL PALIN
NW5