THE new cycle lanes situated on Bewdley Hill, Franche Road and other roads are an attempt at providing safer conditions for cyclists.

To my knowledge nothing has been done for cyclists in this area since the cycle track was constructed along the Stourport Road.

In his letter in the March 22 issue, Roger Thurston makes the point that over a period of one hour not a single cyclist was observed using the Bewdley Hill cycle lane.

The reason that cyclists are not seen more frequently is that the local roads are perceived to be particularly dangerous.

Cycle lanes are one way of improving safety by separating cyclists and motor vehicles.

More provision is being made for the cyclist to help reduce the environmental damage that the ever-rising number of motorised vehicles is creating.

Global warming, pollution and congestion are some of the effects of the increasing number of journeys we make in cars, lorries, vans etc.

Yet many of these journeys are of less than a mile.

Every week 33 million car journeys of under a mile are made.

These are trips that could be walked or cycled, which would help the environment and provide healthy exercise.

The Government has set a target to quadruple cycling by 2012 as a means of promoting good health and a better environment.

I would agree with Roger Thurston that cycle lanes become valueless if cars are parked in them.

Whenever possible, cycle lanes should be designated mandatory where vehicles cannot park or cross into them.

PHILLIP OLIVER

Franche Road

Wolverley