I LIVE for the day when Mike "Get Orrf My Road" Usherwood actually gets his facts right. I'm not holding my breath, but should such a day arrive I'll be the first to rejoice.

A few things that Disgruntled of Huntington should bear in mind. Cyclists do actually pay to use the road. I'm not aware of any restrictions which prevent, say, income tax and council tax contributions from being used to maintain transport infrastructure.

A good number of cyclists of my acquaintance have fully taxed, insured and MOT'd cars on their drives. A couple of them have more than one car.

Maybe I should petition HM Treasury for a tax rebate - after all, there are some major roadworks taking place about a mile from my house, paid for in part by "my" taxes, but how often am I going to use the A64?

Dr Simon Ward,

Barons Crescent,

Copmanthorpe, York.

...OH no not another Usherwood rant! Mike baby, if you are the best the car lobby can do the sustainable transport debate is in the bag for the pros.

I recently heard a radio programme reporting about the recovery in Kabul. Right at the centre of this recovery was the good old bicycle. It would seem the good people of Kabul love their bikes and have no desire to go back to the bad old days of polluting motor vehicles.

You see, Mr Usherwood, used properly, bicycles can give life and help create a healthy population. Motor vehicles only take life through pollution and smash ups. Kabul here I come! (I wish).

Graham Horne,

Beech Avenue,

Bishopthorpe, York.

Updated: 10:45 Tuesday, May 21, 2002