Sir – Cyclox’s Kevin Hickman (letter, September 17) paints a bleak picture of lethal, fear-laden Oxford streets which, I’m relieved to say, I don’t recognise. Even though I cycle regularly, I’ve seldom had an issue with drivers or anyone else.

I don’t see the streets of the city as an ideological battleground and I’m not going to hide behind the ‘vulnerable road user’ label whether I’m on my motorcycle or, more usually, on my bicycle. I’m not going to cower because of a “fear of traffic”. The way to deal with fear is to face it, deal with it and realise its groundlessness. I don’t even notice most drivers — they’re getting on with their journeys as I’m getting on with mine. I cycle as though I’m part of the traffic with the responsibilities and pleasures that carries.

And why — in a city where cycling with no lights, through red lights, on pavements and with little care is the norm rather than the exception — should we accept strict driver liability? ALL road users are equally responsible for their actions and reactions — and wearing the word “vulnerable” like a badge does not exempt them from this.

Mark McArthur-Christie Bampton