I am writing in response to a letter you recently published (‘Riding on pavements is illegal and dangerous’, Opinion, June 10).

I support your correspondent in pointing out the dangers of inconsiderate and negligent cyclists who ride on pavements.

However, as an octogenarian and a slow, careful cyclist, may I point out that:

a) In a meeting a long time ago, a person in the know said that a minister had said that it is OK for cyclists to ride on the pavement.

b) The overcrowded roads with countless parked cars makes cycling on the roads very hazardous indeed.

I would appeal to pavement cyclists to be more considerate, but if they pose a danger to pedestrians by their unacceptable cycling then they deserve to be prosecuted, not for cycling on the pavment, but for riding without due care and attention.

Name and address supplied