IT is just a matter of time before a senior citizen is knocked down and sustains a broken hip', S. Holmes speculates, apropos the problem of boy racers' cycling on pavements (Pavement racers, letters, August 21).

Could someone please enlighten me as to why only senior citizens are at risk from cyclists illegally using the pavement, and provide evidence for the perpetrators being exclusively young and male?

Does (s)he believe that the elderly are entitled to protection under the law, but those of working age should cheerfully put up with having their broken hips strewn across Goodramgate and Coney Street?

And don't tell me that the older generation had to put up with this when I was a lad/lass', because as they'd also be quick to remind you (with a tinge of regret), in the good old days', anyone caught cycling on the pavement would have been hung, drawn and quartered.

About the one thing I agree with S Holmes on is that cycling on the pavement is at best unpleasant and at worst dangerous for pedestrians.

However, I find myself having to jump clear of just as many elderly females, self-righteously ringing their bicycle bells as they whizz past, as boy racers'.

Leo Enticknap, Bootham, York.