MR Elliott suggests that motorists blow their horn at unlit cyclists, in order "to let them know they have been seen" (Letters, December 8).

Putting aside the fact that what Mr Elliot actually seems to mean is "in order to take their punishment into your own hands", is he not aware of the startling and nuisance effect on perfectly legitimately lit cyclists and passers-by?

I do not condone cycling unlit at night, in the same way that I do not condone red-light jumping or cycling on the pavement, and cannot be held responsible for those who do.

However, there will be some who take this call as an excuse to sound their horns (illegally) at any cyclist they perceive to be "in their way" - legally lit, or not.

There are already too many people who wish to vent their frustrations with the use of the horn.

Would Mr Elliot also like drivers (and like many cyclists, I am also a driver), to sound their horns at all other vehicles with defective lights, or drivers using mobile phones?

It will be a very noisy city if so.

Sue Archer,

Ogleforth,

York.

Updated: 10:22 Saturday, December 10, 2005