IT was recently announced that Foregate Street station was to be refurbished.

Part of the refurbishment was the replacing of the cycle racks - which frankly were in need of improvement, being too cramped and too few in number.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Central Trains for the time and effort put in to applying a "lick of paint" and the removal of the cycle racks and subsequent replacement with approximately one third of their number.

Half of them are now outside where the rain can wet the saddles of the hard-pressed cyclist.

I was under the impression that there is a nationwide drive to get us out of the cars, get the bike out and generally lead a healthier lifestyle.

Shall I mention the Kyoto accord? No! Surely the bicycle is the flagship of this initiative. Come on, give us a fighting chance at the very least.

TIM RICKETTS,

Worcester.