Sir — Roads are a shared space, shared between users who depend for their safety on the actions of others.

Where traffic densities are low and roads narrow then the proposed 20mph speed limit areas are likely to make cyclists, pedestrians, other drivers feel safer.

That’s why I welcome the proposal by the county council to introduce 20mph limits in many streets.

On the wider and busier roads, such as the Woodstock and Banbury Roads on which I cycle, I don’t mind if vehicles pass me at 20 or 30mph, providing that they give me a ‘wide berth’. My safety as a cyclist relies upon things that I can do: cycle carefully, give clear signals, wear highly visible clothing, use good lights and obey the law and things other road users do including giving me space.

As a motorist I know that cyclists can irritate other road users by, for example, ignoring red lights, wearing dark clothes and using no lights at night. There is a risk that an irritated motorist could fail to give a cyclist the space they need with injurious results. My fear is that if all roads within the city are restricted to 20mph, this would increase driver irritation.

Clearly it is very desirable that dedicated cycle paths are provided where possible, but in a crowded city, cyclists and drivers will often have to share the road. Drivers have to understand the need for cyclists to be given space. Cyclists have to understand motorist’s desire to make progress. I think that the county’s current proposals best respect both sets of needs.

Vernon Porter, Oxford