Sir – I agree with Mr Sephton rather than Mr Styring about cycle parks (Letters, August 13, 20 and 27). The latter is wrong to use the phrase spiteful criticisms.

Whatever the evidence from elsewhere Cyclox may produce, the reality here and now in Oxford is that too many cyclists ignore existing cycle racks.

These are provided from the money of taxpayers, among whom cyclists are a minority. Is it any wonder that councils shy away from further expenditure when that which has been spent already is seen to be wasted?

Motorists, other than disabled, who enter Oxford are required to park at the Westgate, Worcester Street, Gloucester Green or east of Magdalen Bridge car parks — some distances from Carfax.

Bus users, some with prams, and others in wheelchairs, do not campaign for stops every 50 yards to avoid walking time. Why is it that so many cyclists, usually the younger and more active among us, are unprepared to walk and seek out cycle racks over shorter distances? If Cyclox wishes councils to remove abandoned cycles more often (another expense on taxpayers at large), they might as well take away to a pound cycles chained to street furniture, etc, there to be released only on payment of a fine.

This would place cycles on a par with cars and produce some revenue.

Mr Styring’s letters dig the graves of responsible cyclists and encourage the smaller, but still substantial, minority of irresponsible cyclists, to whom he has said (on other occasions) he is opposed.

Cyclox’s time and money would be better employed in educating that minority then putting counter-productive pen to paper.

T. Baker-Jones, Oxford