WITH regard to Catriona Stewart’s article on cycling, and the latest fatal accident involving a cyclist in Glasgow ("After a cyclist's death in Glasgow, is it worth the risk?", The Herald, May 24): I agree with her that I would hesitate to encourage people to cycle anywhere, other than well away from vehicular traffic.

I also agree that the biggest issue facing cyclists in and around Glasgow is, that motorists and other drivers of mechanically-propelled vehicles act as if they have exclusive use of the road.

The fact is though, that there is, on most roads other than motorways and the like, a public right of passage, by whatever means. This means: on foot, bike, scooter, skateboard, horse and so on, as well as by mechanically-propelled vehicles. Today’s issues arise through the custom and practice that sees the predominance of motor vehicles using public roads, and the speed at which these vehicles travel.

READ MORE: Catriona Stewart's column on the perils of cycling

When I used to cycle to and from work, I cycled as close to the middle of the lane I was in as possible, thus avoiding kerbside potholes, street furniture and stanks. This, however, often led to altercations with frustrated motorists, who wanted to pass. Near-misses and altercations are the reasons I stopped using my bike.

I agree too, that riding on the pavement is a contentious issue. I was once a policeman, and, unless the manner of cycling was careless or reckless, I’d have been unlikely to issue a fixed penalty to someone riding a bike on the pavement.

It is, I would suggest, the manner of riding there that is the issue. After all, motorists drive on the pavement all the time; I drive across it each day, on entering and leaving my driveway. But I do so in a safe and considerate manner.

Educating people to change entrenched habits, I would argue, is the key to making the roads safer for all road users. It will be interesting, therefore, to see the results of the current campaign by Police Scotland, to influence motorists on their driving behaviour in regard to sharing the road with cyclists. A fixed penalty ticket often concentrates the mind, and may even influence future driving behaviour.

JS Brennan,

Glasgow G44.

READ MORE: Catriona Stewart's column on the perils of cycling

CATRIONA Stewart is slightly disingenuous when she says riding two abreast is perfectly allowed.

Rule 66 of The Highway Code actually says “never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends”. I’m guessing that means single file on most of Glasgow’s roads given how busy they are.

That said her excellent article does highlights very correctly that cyclists and especially motorists should be much more tolerant of each other when sharing our busy roads.

And good luck with her return to cycling.

Ian McNair,

Glasgow G12.

READ MORE: Catriona Stewart's column on the perils of cycling

A WONDERFUL article from Catriona Stewart that sets just the right tone. I hope all those motor drivers out there and all those non-cycling city councillors read it – and take note.

Patricia Fort,

Glasgow G1.