‘Can we please stop the finger-pointing and learn to live side-by-side?’

• OVER the years the noise around three forms of transport – walkling, cycling, and driving – has continued without pause.

I use all three.

I cycled to work, on and off for over 40 years, more on than off.

I commuted by car for a significant number of years when cycling or public transport was not possible.

Walking, I feel, requires no explanation.

Little is to be gained by finger-pointing in any direction.

We can all think of situations where someone else has not acted within the law or courteously or… whether this is as pedestrian, cyclist or driver.

I can certainly think of situations where I could have behaved better and have witnessed others behaving badly.

As a pedestrian: cyclists on the pavement have come too close and drivers not stopping at zebra crossings.

As a cyclist: I have experienced selfish drivers cutting me up and pedestrians stepping off pavements without looking.

As a driver: I have been irritated by cyclists going through red lights (when I can’t) and pedestrians wandering across the road.

That’s what living in a big city is.

None of us is going away. I think it is difficult to argue against the view that more journeys by foot or by bike and fewer by car is generally a good thing for the environment.

So can we please stop the finger-pointing and learn to live side-by-side?

Even drivers who really need to use their cars and vans should be promoting more and better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists as this will reduce the number of vehicles on the road and make their journeys so much easier.

Generally it is difficult for pedestrians to commit offences; but cyclists do go through red lights when they shouldn’t and drivers do go over the speed limit.

Is the solution really to keep pointing this out?

Surely the solution is to make roads better for all and to have mutual respect.

CHARLOTTE BLAKE, NW5