I WRITE regarding the story Cancer survivor hurt by hit-and-run cyclist, Oxford Mail, June 16.

The article did not have the space to quote Oxford Pedestrians Association (OxPA)’s response to this collision in full.

It is correct to say that particular Walton Street zebra crossing has not been brought to our attention as problematic, although it is very close to a junction.

That said, the crossing is highly visible and properly lighted and we would be reluctant to blame the positioning of a crossing for someone being hurt because a vehicle rider did not obey the Highway Code.

It is also very shocking that the cyclist in question refused to stop after having knocked a pedestrian down.

Zebra crossings are perhaps the only places on a road where pedestrians and wheelchair users have a properly protected right to be on the carriageway for as long as they need to, and where they have legal priority over road traffic. But some cyclists and drivers habitually ignore zebra crossings and red lights.

OxPA urges all cyclists and drivers to respect the law governing the needs and rights of pedestrians and wheelchair users on all crossings; if this had been the case in this instance, the victim in question would not have had to suffer needless agony and injury.

SUSHILA DHALL Chair Oxford Pedestrians Association