I WANT to add my voice to the growing cries of outrage against cyclists in York.

I am a fit, healthy 40-year-old trying to do my bit to save the planet by walking as much as possible. I do not have the same fear of injury as some of your older readers; it is the sheer arrogance of cyclists that enrages me.

On my regular route into town there is a place where the path narrows as it goes under a railway bridge. A sign asks cyclists to dismount, but I have never, in the three years I have lived in this part of York, seen a cyclist do so. Instead they ride right up to the bridge and then squeal their breaks behind unsuspecting pedestrians.

Another problem is the speed at which some cyclists travel on paths that run alongside pedestrian walkways. I am thinking of off-road areas such as Victoria Park, Leeman Road and Clifton Ings.

These areas are used and enjoyed by a wide range of people, including the elderly, families and dog walkers. But many cyclists seem to have no understanding of what it feels like for the unsuspecting pedestrian when they hurtle past at 25mph.

Cyclists should remember that, unlike cars, when they approach behind a pedestrian they cannot be heard. The first we know of your arrival is the heart-stopping squeal of your brakes. When a pedestrian and her dog/pushchair/zimmer-frame does move out of your way (and you do not automatically have right of way) a polite "thanks" would be appreciated.

Susan Goundrey-Kruse,

Carnot Street,

York.

Updated: 10:06 Thursday, August 26, 2004