I AM grateful to James Brooks for helping me to identify the huge threat to vulnerable road users in pointing to the “huge lump” of metal that flipped on to its roof — driver well protected. Thankfully, no dead bodies squashed beneath. (“Culture of tolerating dangerous driving”, November 28.) As for Robert Davidson giving me a driver’s viewpoint, what makes him think I don’t already have one?

With 45 years’ driving, a clean licence, a lifetime cycling, and more hospital visits thanks to driver error than I’ve got space to mention, they clearly differ. Mine is one of compassion, caring and sharing.

The important thing is, those who can’t learn should not be allowed to get behind the wheel of a potentially lethal weapon.

So, rather than waste my time spelling out that which has been said so many times before, allow me to ask some questions.

Why should a cyclist have to pay tax? Insurance, I do pay, but I can’t vouch for others: if they also drive, it’s a safe bet they do!

Why shouldn’t cyclists weave in and out of traffic?

If there’s total gridlock, what are they supposed to do? Consider drivers on our motorways; refer to Highway Code rules on lane discipline, and consider IQ of cyclist before responding!

My bike enables me to beat congestion, not be a part of it. Drivers who queue bumper-to-bumper and keep tight to the kerb aren’t just a pain for cyclists, but for pedestrians and emergency services too.

Like some drivers never learn, nor do some cyclists, with one huge difference — one is a potential killer in large numbers, the other just a pain! Five deaths a day, compared to one death a year, if that.

If club riders think nothing of riding three abreast (15mph), is that any worse than drivers who think nothing of hogging lane three (90mph) on motorways?

Can I have a comparison, re numbers and casualties? Weren’t there seven motorway deaths in just one crash last month? And, worse, a family of six wiped out in another!

Club riders change position constantly: from back to front, and vice-versa; sometimes to shelter from the wind; to share the workload, or to avoid bricks, glass, potholes and other hazards.

Their weekend ride over Belmont is for pleasure! Why does anyone drive over? If it’s for pleasure, what’s the rush? If it’s for work, don’t they gain the 10 seconds lost by breaking the speed limit all the way to Abbey Village and beyond? Then all the way back?

Allan Ramsay Radcliffe Moor Road Radcliffe