ROAD hogs come in all shapes and sizes, and road hogging is on the increase. With more traffic on the same stretches of asphalt, proprietorial battles over who is entitled to which bit of road space can be seen on every route, every day.

Today's despatch from the road rage frontline concerns a cyclist who has been knocked off his bike three times in two months. That was Shane Glenwright's reward for riding in the clearly-marked cycle lane on Leeman Road, York.

We should not doubt the seriousness of the matter. York has witnessed more than one tragedy in which a cyclist has been killed through no fault of their own. Cyclists are vulnerable and deserve respect from car and lorry drivers.

Unfortunately, a selfish minority of motorists believe that the creation of cycle lanes is highway robbery - quite literally. The bike brigade is stealing a slice of 'their' carriageway. So lazy motorists continue to park in cycle lanes, or veer into them without a thought for others' safety.

No consideration is given to the fact that about a fifth of commuter journeys in York are by bicycle. More are set to leap in their saddles, encouraged by a city council whose traffic management policy includes the building of car-free houses off Hull Road.

Imagine the extra congestion if all York's cyclists, wearied by these daily battles, took to their cars instead.

However, it must also be said that a selfish minority of cyclists do the two-wheeled cause no favours.

Pedestrians, the most vulnerable travellers of all, regularly complain about cyclists hurtling towards them on York's pavements. Some pedal pushers appear to have no comprehension of the meaning of a red traffic light.

Mr Glenwright is fortunate to have escaped injury.

It is time the law came down hard on road hogs of all types before someone really does get hurt.