Sir – Following Graham Smith’s letter (July 17) about the Plain scheme being a waste of money, I can think of a number of improvements for cyclists which wouldn’t cost that much.

For example — resurfacing some of the roads in Oxford city. Also why do we not have cycle lanes up Headley Way (seeing as there are two footpaths on each side) — which would enable more people to cycle to the John Radcliffe Hospital.

If they really have that much money to spend on cyclists, then could we have a new ‘cycles-only’ bridge over the river to connect Sustrans route 51/5 from New Inn Hall Street and St Ebbe’s to Marlborough Road — south of the river. The present ‘Pipework bridge’ is a disaster for cyclists, and pedestrians would probably prefer not to meet cyclists on it.

New Inn Hall Street is an example of how “shared space” doesn’t work, particularly on one of the most important cycle paths in Oxford.

J. Blackburn, Oxford