THERE is little substance in the argument put by Adam Foyle in his debate about pious puritans (Mailbag February 14) in the cycling fraternity.

Mr Foyle quotes the Highway Code as a stick with which to beat cyclists. I would like to add that it states in the Highway Code that motorists should always be aware, and given consideration to, other road users.

That means Mr Foyle, that you don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs, use mobile phones whilst driving and leave four-year-old children (Examiner last Thursday) lying in the road after they have been knocked down.

It also means that when driving a motor car you don’t make obscene gestures to people, especially of a sexual nature to women. Added to that, you are required by law to pay tax and insurance; do ALL motorists? A report by the BBC last Saturday stated that 5% of car owners don’t pay insurance. How about that Mr Foyle?

There are plenty of shops selling cycle gear and without exception it is all high-visibility clothing and helmets to make life easier for cyclists and other road users.

We don’t always get it right Mr Foyle, but it is a well- known fact that the English motorists dislike cyclists. One of their arguments is that we don’t pay road tax, we are not required by law to do so and neither are we required by law to pay insurance. But I, and many others, take out third party cover.

I don’t know if Mr Foyle has ever ridden a bicycle; if he made a start he might learn something. On yer bike!

Billy Richardson

Honley