ALTHOUGH I have every sympathy for those people who have experienced injury or rudeness from cyclists cycling on pavements, it is important to highlight why the cyclists might feel the need to cycle on pavements; rightly or wrongly.

Road cyclists are faced with poor road conditions where there are huge craters (some of which can be six inches deep) and pot holes, particularly around grids.

This is highly dangerous for the cyclist because they are forced to manoeuvre out further into the carriageway in order to avoid these.

The poor road conditions also cause damage to the cycle like they do to cars.

It is also important to mention that drivers are not particularly tolerant to the cyclist when they drive passed with only inches between car and cyclist.

So it is hardly surprising that some cyclists choose the pavement as a safer option.

The council should consider creating proper cycle lanes – not just painting white lines on the highway as a token gesture, these are not cycle lanes!

Many towns and cities in Europe have clearly appointed cycle lanes, why can’t Leigh do this?

Encouraging more people to cycle with correctly appointed cycle lanes will create a healthier, fitter borough, reduce congestion on our roads hence helping to improve air pollution.

So much money is spent on new bus lanes and heaven knows how much money was spent on the new junction at the retail park.

Surely it’s about time Wigan MBC catered for alternative modes of transport other than those which pollute the environment.

PEDESTRIAN, CYCLIST, DRIVER AND DOG WALKER Lowton