SOMEHOW, last week, I resisted the temptation to reply to the views expressed by Rita M Riding on the subject of cycle lanes and other safety measures on Moss Bank Way. Her latest epistle, in which she once again refers to the "money squandered on cycle lanes", has left me no choice.

Cycle lanes, Ms Riding, provide a measure of protection for perhaps the most vulnerable group of road users. For years, governments at both national and local levels have failed to live up to their legal obligation to provide safe conditions for cyclists. The result has, inevitably, been an accident level which is a national disgrace. Within our own club there have been three fatal accidents in the last 12 years, where in each case the cyclist was the innocent victim.

Happily, the situation is changing, and towns such as Bolton are gradually becoming safer for cyclists through the progressive introduction of cycle lanes. How sad then that the relatively small expense involved is regarded by Ms Riding as "money squandered".

As to Moss Bank Way -- there is now incontrovertible statistical evidence that the measures taken have led to a significant reduction in the accident level -- and not just for cyclists.

Thank you Bolton Council -- keep up the good work.

Ian Marshall

Hon Secretary,

Lancashire Road Club.