l YET another pack of half-baked reasons for cyclists to be treated as special cases from James Styring (Big Issue, November 22).

Common sense dictates that cyclists should take care to see and be seen.

Hi-viz waistcoats are mandatory wear for LGV drivers for their own safety when not in the cab, so it would seem sensible for a person cycling on the road to wear one.

Motorcyclists were against the compulsory wearing of helmets when first introduced, but it is now accepted that it is a law made for a very good reason.

You only have to stand at the side of any main road in Oxford to see how many cyclists have no lights at night to see how little they care for their own safety.

Unfortunately, it is usually the car driver who is blamed in the event of an accident.

If, as he claims, cyclists fall off quite frequently, they should take every opportunity to protect themselves.

This also counters his argument that cycling is safer than walking. Very few pedestrians fall over for no apparent reason.

As for more road systems designed with cyclists in mind, perhaps their cause would be helped if they used the cycle lanes that already exist.

I feel Mr Styring should join the real world and realise that a vast number of the cycling fraternity are their own worst enemies and he should embrace any attempt made to increase cycling safety.

COLIN CHARLETT

Sugworth Lane

Radley