LIKE so many pedestrians in Leigh I have been told to get out of the way in no uncertain terms by cyclists on mountain bikes riding fast on the footpath.

This made me start watching cyclists of all ages and abilities riding their bicycles on the roads as well as on the footpaths and I have come to the conclusion that cyclists and the general motoring public, including pedestrians, will be much safer if cyclists were permitted by law to ride on the footpath.

The change would give less confident and less experienced bike riders the opportunity to ride more and avoid busy roads where no cycling facilities are provided.

Cyclists will then be less aggressive and start to adhere to The Highway Code and understand that pedestrians must have right of way at all times on footpaths.

I also feel that cyclists must always ride their bicycles in the direction of the flow of road traffic and pedestrians must, where possible, always walk towards oncoming traffic so they can all see each other.

Robert Welch

Leigh