THE time has come for cyclists to be made to take out insurance and share the cost of the roads they enjoy.

It should not fall as the responsibility of motorists to cover the accidents of the cyclists.

A lot of their downfalls are self-inflicted -- such as overtaking on the nearside and pavement capers, which are very dangerous.

Some bicycles cost more than £1,000 nowadays and it is in the owners' interest to insure them.

Vast numbers of motorists are sickened by the new EU directive which would always make car owners liable if they are in an accident with a cyclist, no matter how it was caused.

Is there no end to the motorist being the whipping boy?

JOHN SHORROCK, Marlton Road, Blackburn.