The “whole thrust” of my argument is not, as Phil Fletcher would have it , (‘A general lack of consideration’, Your Views, May 22), to pit walkers against cyclists but to put an end to cyclists pitting themselves against walkers on footpaths and pavements.

As I said previously, residents voted for and obtained a £400,000 grant from the Mayor of London to improve a five-mile stretch of the Dollis Green Valley Walk for walkers. Not cyclists, walkers.

Yet to Mr Fletcher’s delight most of this is now being modified for the benefit of cyclists. How he and the council justify this betrayal I can’t imagine.

Far from being a solution to London’s congestion, cyclists are part of the problem.

For years money has been available in Barnet to make improvements but have not been taken up. Now they are, but only to shift cyclists on to footpaths. Apparently, it has not occurred to Mr Fletcher that if traffic speeds are reduced to 20 mph on “shared roads” as he proposes, cars and HGVs will take longer over their journeys, pumping out CO2 and particulates all the time.

Perhaps he has also forgotten that when the police carried out their Operation Safeway a few months ago, about half of those given warnings or issued with tickets were cyclists. Not bad for the three per cent or so who cycle.

Yet if a cyclist is injured or, even more regrettably, killed it is always the driver who is blamed: they should be banned or have their vehicles modified.

Cyclists gather to have a ‘die-in’ or ride slowly en-masse down busy roads. A much more positive solution would be for them to learn what the traffic signs mean and obey them.

This includes ‘No cycling’ notices, which are routinely ignored.

When I use a footpath or pavement I walk. I don’t expect to drive my car. What is it that prevents Mr Fletcher and his friends from leaving their cycles and walking?

It isn’t difficult (even small children do it). Not only is it healthy, pollution free, and life-enhancing as Mr Fletcher claims, but it doesn’t threaten anyone either.

I’ll gladly join him in campaigning to improve conditions for cyclists on our roads, but will he join me in getting cyclists off our footpaths and pavements?

Dennis Pepper

Windsor Road, Finchley Church End