First published on Tuesday 14 September 2004:

Letter: Red means stop

Some cyclists must be colour blind and occasionally prone to deafness.

I have been getting more and more annoyed with those who constantly
ride through red lights at crossings, particularly in Church Street
when they go the wrong way down a one-way street as well as through a
red light.

It can only be a matter of time before someone is hurt by this small
but apparently growing band of idiots.

The most annoying example so far happened on August 26 while I was
walking my disabled work colleague to a bus stop in North Street.

As we were waiting to cross while the lights were red and the beeps
which are there to let blind and partially sighted people know it's
safe to cross were sounding, a bike sped through.

Obviously that idiot did not have a thought for anyone who may have
walked into his path. This act riled me and prompted this letter.

Perhaps someone can tell me what right these no-brains have to treat
crossings this way. Red light means stop to everyone using the road.

I wish cyclists would learn this.

-Simon Melling, Brighton

First published on Tuesday 14 September 2004:

Letter: Can't read?

At this time of year, when the number of examination passes increases,
we are always assured by the Government that the examination standards
are not being relaxed but that the standards of tuition and learning
are improving.

If that is true, can someone please explain to me why so many cyclists
cannot read?

-Dale Marland, Hove

First published on Tuesday 14 September 2004:

Letter: Ring a bell?

I am pleased my recent rant regarding pedestrians on cycle lanes moved
Bruce Smith so much he felt compelled to write to you (Letters, August
28).

Unfortunately, it seems he was unable to understand the point that I
raised. I am fully aware of the function of bicycle bells (having had
one on my tricycle at the age of three) but find it very hard to
believe pedestrians would believe the manic ringing of a bell behind
them was actually directed at them.

Most people are so self-obsessed and unaware of their surroundings that
such an act would go unnoticed.

I find it intriguing that Mr Smith believes that, by using a bell, I
would "instill fear and respect in walkers".

To my mind, the method of communication used is superfluous as the end
result is still the same due to most people's belief that everything
they say and do is utterly correct and their refusal to believe they
are ever in the wrong.

Oh, and just as a final point: in his haste to promote the humble
bicycle bell, Mr Smith stated in his letter that I had "threatened to
run pedestrians down". Far from it.

I actually stated that there would be fewer tourists to return to
Brighton if they kept walking in front of my bicycle but that this was
not a direct threat to tourists - I was merely stating the fact that
sooner or later I was bound to knock one of them down due to their own
careless actions.

-Abbey Whelan, Hove

First published on Tuesday 14 September 2004:

Letter: Get real

Please, not more whinging winnies droning on about cyclists on the
seafront who narrowly missed them by 50 feet (Steven Skull, Bruce
Smith).

I'd like to know how many of these moaning minnies have ever sat on a
bike let alone rode one along the designated, hare-brained bike lanes
in this city.

As a biker for many years I can aver that riding any form of cycle
anywhere in Brighton is fraught with danger, let alone along the
seafront. Most pedestrians can't walk in a straight line let alone keep
out of the bike lanes.

Perhaps some of these moaning minnies could redirect some of their
hatred for cyclists into policing the bike lanes and keeping whole
families from bumbling along in them most sunny days.

While they are at it, control skateboarders, roller-bladers, and old
biddies in motorised wheelchairs and anyone else who is confused about
those two white lines that designate that piece of the promenade as a
bike lane.

Maybe they could even form a dog patrol for all those lovely pet owners
who are happy to let their animals foul the seafront.

Get real, people.

-TM Bailey, Brighton
--
Alan (Fred) Pipes
pipes@...
if I'm away, try: alan.pipes@...
www.fred-pipes.com
NUJ member since 1975