AS a regular stroller on the Leeds/Liverpool canal towpath, I can understand Councillor Fred Slater's antipathy towards those cyclists who show scant regard for the rights of their fellows to pursue more peaceful pastimes (LET, April 15).

To witness the approach of the frantically pedalling, lycra-clad, mud-spattered apparition, mounted upon his or her latest, garishly coloured, multi-geared air sprung, hydraulically-braked, polycarbonate fashion accessory, the mountain bike, is indeed an unnerving sight, especially when the profusely sweating rider sports the yellow, red or violet goggles directly below the beak of the obligatory helmet designed to resemble the skull of a swooping prehistoric bird.

Perhaps even more unnerving is to be approached from the rear in what could only be described as a stealth attack upon the private reverie of the walker. Although spared the onrushing vision, the shock of having one's solitude shattered without warning by the whirling dervish appearing from over your shoulder destroys the myth of peace and tranquillity.

That Coun Slater calls for them to be banned is hardly surprising, given that he has witnessed some of the disruption caused and the near misses with other users of the towpath.

This, however, is only one side of the argument.

There are many family groups who cycle the towpath and at a speed totally in keeping with the serenity to be found by walkers, fishermen and even joggers. It would be wrong to impose a total ban on cycling in the face of the abuse of such a facility by a relatively small number of inconsiderate individuals.

By all means, impose a speed restriction upon all users of the towpath, as there is already a restriction on the speed of the water craft, but whatever rules are drawn up, it should be remembered that to be effective, rules must be policed and enforceable.

JOHN A CAVE, Hudson Street, Burnley.