A BIKE delivery company in Oxford has suggested that cyclists should legally be allowed to jump red lights.

Pedal & Post courrier firm has been accused on Twitter of encouraging cyclists to break the rules.

The firm, which delivers parcels on bikes, said Paris has already allowed the practice and suggested it be trialled here.

Oxford Mail:

Pedal & Post called for the change in a Twitter spat with an infuriated driver sparked by the Oxford Mail.

After we tweeted out a story at the weekend about a man fined £805 for cycling on the pavement in Abingdon, Twitter user Stuart replied "Can they also be fined and have a penalty point system for jumping red traffic lights please? Especially in Oxford!"

Pedal and Post then responded: "It's actually more often cars will jump amber and red lights which is far more dangerous.

"France and other cities are looking to allow bikes to jump reds, not punish it."

Stuart retorted: "Considering your username is pedal & post you must be bigging up the cyclists that wear headphone's whilst riding their bikes and ignore their surroundings when on the road.

"Why do you think its a good idea to allow them to jump red lights?"

After clarifying that it professionally trained, insured and risk assessed each of its staff, the company explained that the law in Paris states that cyclists may 'stop and roll through a red light if the way is clear'.

It added: "Why not here? No accidents were caused by bikes running reds. Cars however..."

Stuart replied angrily: "So you encourage cyclist to jump red lights then, good job from a professional company", to which the firm's Tweeter said: "I'm suggesting it as an idea, the current highway code states otherwise which we abide by but I don't see why it shouldn't change?

"You haven't given any counter argument for why not? If Paris can lead the way, why can't Oxford?"