AFTER regularly being ‘buzzed’ by cyclists on the pavement while walking my dog, I thought a gentle reminder might get the point across that it is really unpleasant to be made to jump out of my skin.

Ting-a-ling!

This little reminder is just

To all cyclists, please, you must

Give a warning to walking folk

Seriously, it is no joke

To be sped upon by two wheels

Try it, see how it feels

To suddenly be aware

That someone else is there

Right behind you and going fast

Is this day going to be your last?

Heart thumping and breathing stopped

Am I going to be seriously bopped

On the head, mugged or worse

Under my breath, a muttered curse!

I am not asking you to bellow

A polite and friendly ‘hi, hello’

Will warn me not to step aside

Or, better still, a merry ding

From a little ‘ting-a-ling’.

I do wonder, though, to be fair

Why use the pavement, the road is there!

CHRIS NORRIS

Padgate