AS A cyclist, I have some sympathy with 'Driver' (Citizen letters, last week) about unsafe road for cyclists.

However, I would like to point out that a car isn't as essential as he believes.

I am a busy mum with three children aged 10, eight and two. Although I can drive, our family does not own a car by choice, as we believe that it is possible to live without one.

It is not necessary to have a car to transport children around, and in fact we don't do children a favour by ferrying them around in cars all the time. Our children walk, cycle or go on the bus, if the distance is too far.

I agree that it is impossible for most people to carry 12 bags of shopping on a bike, although a bike trailer would be an option. However, I always get the bus into Morecambe to do our weekly shop and get a taxi back. Larger items can be delivered.

As a woman, I agree that there is some risk involved in cycling down trails, but I think these are exaggerated and have to be balanced with the dangers involved in driving. Car travel is actually quite dangerous.

Is 'Driver' really trying to say that the only options available for older people are to go out in a car or stay at home.

Regarding the office manager needing to drive , my brother-in-law happens to be an office manager who has to wear a suit for work. On Mondays, he takes five shirts plus a suit into work in the car, then cycles for the rest of the week, changing his clothes when he arrives. Why not try and think of more creative non-car solutions rather than focus on driving.

To conclude, it appeared that although the writer's wife cycles he hasn't actually tried it himself recently. I would encourage him, and others like him, to do so.

Jane Dutton, Twemlow Parade, Heysham.