I HAVE read the correspondence regarding irresponsible cyclists with interest.

I am a 69-year-old who has recently purchased my first mountain bike, after a couple of years of casual cycling on an old gents’ touring bicycle after selling my motorcycle.

I have given myself an enjoyable way of keeping fit and discovered wonderful cycle trails; in the Purbecks from Corfe Castle to Swanage over the highest hills, through the Remptsone Forest from Studland to Arne nature reserve and on to Wareham, the Roman Road and the Castleman Trailway from Upton House to Wimborne, and I regularly cycle to Swanage from Southbourne along the seafront.

I regard myself as a responsible cyclist and always abide by the rule that pedestrians have priority along the promenade.

I actually hate irresponsible cyclists as much as pedestrians do.

I am a pedestrian also, and have remonstrated with people who endanger others cycling on the pavement in Southbourne near my home.

In August I spent some time with friends who have a beach hut, and in one 30 minute period we counted 18 cyclists in the middle of the day despite the rule banning them at that time, some charging past at high speed on the promenade.

The reason that this continues is that no action is ever taken against them by the council to enforce their own byelaw.

A fine of £60 should be enforceable or the bike is confiscated there and then for speeding and riding during the banned period.

This would be self-financing, make some profit for the council, and would prevent the inevitable forthcoming accident probably involving a young child.

I have also, in three months while cycling, been attacked by two dogs unrestrained by irresponsible dog owners, and two car drivers, maybe purposely, putting me at serious risk on the road. Enforcement of the law is the only way for respect to be engendered.

FRANK BAYES, Parkwood Road, Southbourne