I disagree with Andy Pagin that lack of training is to blame for cyclists’ deaths (‘Lack of training is to blame’, Opinion, June 25).

Of course training is helpful, but the main problems are the disparity between the weight and power of traffic and other road users, and road rules – notably speed limits and features like pedestrian crossings – which either favour drivers or encourage lack of sharing between the three categories of traveller. Doesn’t he think it surprising that whether in a village, town or city, drivers (one person in car) are encouraged to travel at a speed lethal to cyclists and pedestrians (one person on a bike or one person walking)? After all urban areas are primarily social and working space, not motorway equivalents.

I use the word ‘sharing’ which is the single most important failure of current road rules. A default 20mph speed limit making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists is key to rectifying that, but so are road rules which ensure that pedestrians – who may have mobility problems – are as able to cross the road where convenient to them as drivers are to follow their chosen route. And of course cyclists – who may be children – will sometimes wobble or want to ride side by side so they can talk; after all drivers chat with passengers.

Current attitudes to travel on urban roads are a mindset created by a century of putting cars first. It’s a mindset that is dangerous, anti-social, limits children’s independence, is destructive of local town centres and shopping areas, and undemocratic.

Time to support Cycle Enfield, but also to recognise that people are the key to successful cities; bikes and cars are simply tools.

David Hughes

Palmers Green