CORRESPONDENT "Lex Luther" may have read many of my letters, but it would appear that he's been reading too many comic books to fully appreciate what's going on in the real world, where the unfit and unhealthy can't live without cars and the fit and healthy can't live because of them (Some cyclists think they are Superman, July 13).

Accusing me of constantly having a go at those who choose to use a motor car rather than a bicycle is far from accurate. The only motorists I have had a go at, are the ones who break the rules, those who blatantly set out to cheat the system at every opportunity.

And not only have I put a lot of thought into why the motor car is the preferred choice of transport for many, I have actually studied the reasons, and I wouldn't blame anyone for choosing the safety of a car, especially at night. Those who should be blamed, however, are the one who show blatant disregard for the health, safety and well-being of the rest of society.

For these people, public transport -- no matter how clean, safe and efficient -- is no substitute for the freedom of their motor car and the image it provides for them. And these are the people -- selfish, vain and inconsiderate -- who we really can not afford to have on our roads. They will be the ones who continue threatening the lives of those who are eventually forced to walk and cycle as things get worse -- which they undoubtedly will.

There's no denying that there are a few cyclists who ignore the law. However, they are not the ones responsible for the 30,000-plus violent deaths and serious injuries every year, and the 40,000 deaths from pollution. World-wide, according to the World Health Organisation, between 20 and 50 million deaths and injuries are caused by motor vehicles every year.

Even war doesn't claim this number of victims. And to think that Tony Blair sent our troops to Iraq looking for "weapons of mass destruction", when all the time they were here, right under our very noses.

ALLAN RAMSAY