SIR - I applaud Worcester City Council's efforts to encourage cycling: quieter, cleaner, environmentally responsible, and safer.

But safer for whom? certainly not the cyclist.

Bike users can't win; if they cycle on the pavements, pedestrians resent them and police intervene; if they cycle with the traffic, they offer their lives to boys in hot-hatches, white-van men and four wheel tank drivers, to name the most inconsiderate categories.

One of the most critical locations is the city bridge. Too many pedestrians on the pavements to make cycling acceptable and the road too narrow to make it safe. The Butts giratory is also not cyclist friendly.

On the bridge there could be pedestrian crossings at either end. Pavements could be divided, creating a cycle lane.

If the council is serious about reducing traffic, it has got to take more action than at present.

David Ryder, Worcester.