A. HARRISON is entirely correct (Letters, October 16) that the pathway alongside the River Foss, between Piccadilly and the Clifford Tower car park, is legally a footpath only. The discourteous cyclists were in the wrong, when asserting their “right” to ride along it.

The incident does highlight a long-standing desire for better cycle access in this area. Past developer briefs for the Coppergate 2 area have highlighted the need for a cyclist bridge across the Foss, to link Piccadilly with Tower Street, and the riverside routes beyond it.

The latest developer is proposing nothing more than a pedestrian bridge, due to the presence of a staff fire exit at one end of their planned building. This needs to be resisted by CoYC, and a developer contribution sought instead for a dedicated cycle bridge.

This would encourage more city-centre workers, shoppers and leisure seekers to access the Piccadilly area by pedal power, without the need to detour via Coppergate at one end, or the cycle-unfriendly Fishergate gyratory at the opposite end.

One hopes that enhanced employee and public cycle parking can be incorporated into a bridge scheme.

Paul Hepworth, Windmill Rise, York.