Sir – Your recent report on work to improve the Oxford Canal towpath north of Jericho has aroused fear in the hearts of some of the many people who enjoy walking along our beautiful canal (Letters, March 22).

This is understandable, because I suppose it may cause more cyclists to use this stretch (which is currently like corrugated iron) and some of them may ride even faster.

As someone who enjoys walking as well as cycling, I agree that this would be upsetting.

There are a few inconsiderate cyclists who risk giving the rest of us a bad name. If any of them are reading this, please slow down when approaching people on foot and say ‘excuse me’ or ring a bell.

In fact, I’m sure that walkers will gain as much from the resurfacing (which will not be Tarmac) as cyclists will, because it will make the towpath smoother, wider and much less likely to get muddy.

Susanna Pressel, City councillor for Jericho and Osney Ward, County councillor for West Central Oxford Division, Oxford