OVER the years many people have complained about the way our roads and pavements seem to bring out the worst in people, and after many years as a pedestrian, runner, cyclist and driver I know what they mean.

I ran the London Marathon in the early 1980s and trained around central London without mishap as even in the roughest areas people seemed happy to share the space.

After 35 years I am about to run it again to raise funds for St John Ambulance and have been training hard for several months and have noticed how things are so different now.

Because of the constant dangers from speeding vehicles, the recklessness of cyclists on the pavements and the belligerence of some pedestrians (and other runners sadly) training has become almost hazardous and certainly less enjoyable.

It’s like this because people increasingly react in an aggressive fashion to any perceived slight by another road user.

I myself acknowledge drivers who allow you to cross junctions safely, dog walkers who pull their animals to one side so we pass each other without incident, pedestrians in groups who again give space so we all go on our way without fuss and cyclists who slow down as we approach one another.

I don’t remonstrate with those who enjoy being first in the queue or block the path or even those who shout what they consider to be witty remarks as they pass. I always get a smile or wave in response.

If everyone could try this perhaps Dorset’s roads would eventually return to a calmer state.

PETER CORBET

St Catherines, Wimborne