Sir - I am dismayed to read (Report, February 29) that there is a proposal to remove some bicycle stands in the city centre.

As a disabled person who relies on an electric mobility aid I am constantly frustrated and put at risk by the irresponsible parking of bicycles, sometimes two or even three deep, on the pavement.

This makes it impossible to go along the pavement or to get into the road because there is no dropped kerb. The bicycle stands in the city are well used; the only empty one I have come across travelling around the city is the one in Old Greyfriars Street. The council is very conscientious about removing abandoned bicycles if they are reported (streetscene@oxford.gov.uk) so freeing space for other users of bicycles.

The present proposal has the potential to add even more bicycles to the pavements especially if the present stands are going to be removed. Many bicycle riders (not all by any means) do not keep to rules as is indicated by the recent survey carried out by the police where 90 cyclists were fined for riding in pedestrian zones so the chances of all bicycles being left in designated places is a forlorn hope.

Disabled people trying to live an independent life already have to contend with cars/vans/lorries parking over dropped kerbs and across pavements as well as able-bodied people parking in bays allocated for Blue Badge holders.

Ian Hudspeth is quoted as saying "it would help people to live a more active lifestyle" which is quite true but at the expense of another section of society who deserve consideration too. Has any consultation been carried out with representatives of disabled groups? More bicycles with less stands spells disaster for many of us.

Gwynneth L. Pedler, Cumnor Hill