I write in response to Robert Lister (Riding for a fall on promenade, Have Your Say, May 28) who calls for either a crackdown on cyclists or a ban from the promenade.

Aside from an incident of rudeness – which I agree is not acceptable but is hardly a reason for a ban – all he cites in favour of this are some examples of petty law-breaking.

Where are the accident and fatality stats to back up his position?

According to many Echo correspondents there is an epidemic of lawless, reckless cycling, yet I never see a report that this “anarchy” has led to tragedy.

Don’t forget, before motor vehicles we didn’t need any traffic laws!

Cycling is portrayed in the media as either something to do for charity or a monster which must be tamed. We so desperately need to get more people cycling – all this does is put people off.

Our local police are directed by their communities to crack down on the perceived threat from cyclists, wasting valuable police time.

What a sad state when we read so many stories of tragedy on the roads.

Cycling should be prioritised, along-side walking and public transport.

To this end I call on the council to: l Allow considerate pavement cycling (while instructing the police to clamp down on hooligans and idiots), l Allow bicycles to go the wrong way down one-way streets, l Allow bicycles to treat red lights as stop signs and stop signs as give way.

These are all currently in place in many spots around the world – the Netherlands, Denmark, even Idaho! – and work well.

It would send a clear message about the council’s transport direction and encourage more people to cycle. Getting from A to B quickly and easily is what will get people on bikes. Let’s facilitate it!

Mike Chalkley, Cowper Road, Bournemouth