THE story about cyclists ignoring red lights (February 11) needs some context to make clear the relative scale of the problem.

In Britain in 2011, there were 406 reports of pedestrians hit by cyclists compared with 21,321 pedestrians hit by cars.

Of these, the numbers killed or seriously injured (accidents that are unlikely to go unreported) are in a similar ratio: that is, about two per cent.

These statistics, of course, do not justify cyclists ignoring traffic regulations. Many cyclists at some point exchange their 20 kilos of bike for two tons of car, but keep their disrespect of rules for which they see no need.

Instead of running red lights, they ignore urban speed limits and then begin contributing to the toll of 20,000 or more pedestrians hit each year and the six lives lost every week.

P MOORE Somerville College Oxford