I NOTE in the Guardian, September 13, an article entitled "Traffic Problems are killing town."

Since childhood bicycling has been a pleasure and a useful and cheap form of transport, especially short journeys of a few miles to work. Recently I have resumed cycling to work and find I now need nerves of steel.

It would be easy to write a book about our roads and its uses but I will outline a few salient points.

Much more understanding on all sides could improve the situation. First, bicycle riders are not whiter than white and on some occasions that includes me! Cyclists ride on pavements. They ignore traffic signals, don't signal, don't wear reflective clothing, appropriate protective gear or lights.

All this pales into insignificance, however, when it comes to the actions of motorised vehicles. Why do most cars seem to think that cyclists have to use the gutters? These days they seem to be strewn with cans, broken glass, papers, sunken or uneven grids and lumpy yellow lines and tarmac. The bus lanes which share cyclists are fine but it is surprising how many vehicles think they are buses between 7 and 9am! The closeness and speed with which vehicles pass produce swirling air which can suck cyclists along.

Most of my journeys have points of fear and what could be an enjoyable experience is marred by drivers who may be quite unaware of the dangers they cause. I have had so many bad experiences at roundabouts that I cannot bring myself to take the chance. The speed of approach of cars around the Bridge Foot and Mersey Street roundabouts can be difficult for any non-motorist.

It is time for planners to accommodate cyclists with lanes, space, clear roadsides and space at traffic lights. Nothing fancy, but give us a few yards' start! JANICE BLOOD, Moss Close, Stockton Heath.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.