OH TO be a cyclist in Oxford. Many things have been said but they have everything going for them.

Thousands of pounds spent on cycle lanes throughout the city and yet many ride two abreast and on the pavements.

Boxes are put in the road at traffic lights in front of buses and other road users, in many cases slowing down the traffic when the lights change. Many don’t seem to obey the one-way systems.

They also cycle through Cornmarket Street and Queen Street during restricted hours knowing full well that the police only have a purge on occasions.

Many have no lights on their cycles at night, no bells, no reflectors and many don’t have fluorescent clothing in the interest of safety to other road users.

All these facts are there to be seen every day in Oxford. At the end of all this, unlike other road users, they don’t put a penny in the pot.

Schoolchildren are encouraged to take cycle proficiency tests. It’s a pity that such a programme is not encouraged for many adult cyclists.

Of course, there are some sensible cyclists who stick to the rules and don’t constantly break the law, so it would be unfair to condemn these but they are sadly in the minority.

COLIN SMITH, George Moore Close, Donnington, Oxford