GA Musey makes some valid points (‘Spending on cycling does not make sense’, Opinion, January 21) and is challenging others.

His approach of addressing the higher levels of traffic problems is refreshing. As he highlights, the car is undoubtedly popular; my own view is that many current issues revolve around its over-popularity: too many to be effectively absorbed in the available space. The resulting congestion costs the economy, and frequent letters to this paper reveal associated aspects, such as parking, make people angry.

One problem with a comfortable, relatively widely accessible good, heavily promoted by large companies, is the risk of overuse. Walking, even a relatively short distance as an alternative, has at times brought comments of surprise, as if evolution had equipped me with wheels rather than legs. That is the mindset I believe needs to be challenged, and hopefully the active travel agenda, of which cycling is but one part, can play such a role.

A little easily accessible exercise, walking – possibly for the bus – or cycling, could reverse the sedate lifestyles shown to be a significant threat to health. Congestion then eases without the need to eat into our parks or other land for the more road space he advocates.

One point where I will disagree is Mr Musey’s contention that air pollution is caused by traffic congestion. Congestion can certainly concentrate it, and the delays can add to the overall total, but we should now be in no doubt that it is traffic itself which is the pollutant, a killer of thousands and life shortener of many more Londoners. On that, firm action is urgently required.

K Brown

Old Park Road, Palmers Green