COLIN Moyes (Have Your Say 7th October) complains about the cost of cycle lanes and blames the ‘uproar and outrage’ from the ‘noisy minority’ of cyclists.

May I respond (quietly and courteously) by pointing out that our country is far behind the international curve in its provision for cycling?

All the evidence (in London and abroad) attests that cycle use increases hugely when bike lanes are well designed and – crucially – connect together making journeys safer and pleasanter.

The other day, cycling at a good pace along a busy Branksome road with no cycle lane, the motorist behind me, cautious or courteous, delayed overtaking me due to oncoming traffic.

The van driver behind him, thus inconvenienced for perhaps 15 seconds, hooted his horn repeatedly and then swore abuse at me as he drove angrily past.

Cyclists are indeed a minority but the anger seems to derive not from us but from a small number of motorists.

I wish a peaceful day to all your readers and express the hope that all on our crowded local roads may travel safely and with patience and respect for one another.

REVD PHILIP MARTIN St Aldhelms Road, Poole