COUNCILLOR Yvonne Creswell (Mar 23) was quoted as saying that most people were opposed to the introduction of cycle lanes on Brandlesholme Road, Bury.

However, my questioning of Brandlesholme residents that I know indicates no such thing. The outright objectors were in the minority and their main objection was that Brandlesholme Road was too narrow to accommodate cycle lanes. In 1996, the then Conservative environment minister responsible for urban transport, Steven Norris, introduced the National Cycling Strategy. To achieve its objectives of increasing the use of the bicycle, particularly for reducing growing congestion on the roads, it was recognised that a greater amount of road space would have to be devoted to cycle traffic.

Those in authority must have known that there would be objections from those who think they may be inconvenienced. So it is with the cycle lanes to be introduced on Brandlesholme Road.

A seemingly valid argument of objectors to cycle lanes is that they are under-used. Even if this was the case, there are very important spin-offs from their introduction.

First and foremost, in my opinion, is the benefit of moderating the speed of traffic. In addition, they create a clear margin between motorised traffic and the pedestrian and, when cycle lane observance is mandatory, they eliminate the hazard of parked cars at busy times.

As a cyclist with almost 60 years' experience, I have found the implementation of the Bury Metropolitan Cycling Strategy to be advantageous. Cycling on the highway will never be as safe as an off-road route, but the measures so far introduced are a welcome attempt to reduce the danger. As a motorist of 30 years, I have not found any of the measures to be a disadvantage. In response to "Brandlesholme Resident" (Mar 30), may I say that I classify all people as either courteous and considerate, or downright arrogant. The latter never give any thought to the possible consequences of their actions and, when motorists, they ignore the Highway Code and therefore make cycle lanes a necessity. Furthermore, their approach to driving means that all motorists have now to put up with irritating "sleeping policemen".

As a car driver, I recognise that I am in command of a lethal mass of metal. My constant prayer is that I will never be involved in a collision that results in death or serious injury. This applies whether the fault is mine or the other party's. And since we vehicle drivers slaughter around 3,500 people and seriously injure more than 300,000 each year, I am very much aware of this possibility.

I trust that our elected representatives will give due weight to this signed letter when they next have to decide on the introduction of any controversial schemes associated with the Bury Cycling Strategy.

PETER ROSCOE, member of Roadpeace.