I HAVE just finished reading your letters on the Caton cycle path and use of rural roads around the Lune valley area.

It seems to me that yet again some of the biggest problems to face cyclists have been grossly overlooked.

I have been a cyclist most of my life. I ride from south Lancaster to Morecambe everyday and everyday it is a continual struggle for safety. In the last week I have had cars narrowly missing me, pedestrians stepping in front of me and this has happened on the designated cycle lanes through the town centre and cycle tracks. Ironically the China/King Street cycleway has become a make-shift bus station, so much for that then!

As I'm sure anyone who uses the Morecambe cycle track is aware there is a huge problem with broken glass, animal excrement and rubbish. In the last 6 months I have accumulated more torn inner tubes and tyres than ten years of mountain biking, been subjected to threats of drunken teenagers and gypsies and nearly been robbed on more than one occasion.

Cycling in this town is a dangerous lottery, ride the roads and get whacked by a juggernaut, use the cycleways and run the risk of being robbed or damaging property. I think it high time the council sorted itself and its priorities. I think that providing these amenities for cyclists have to be backed by a continuing and ongoing scheme of regular cleaning, maintenance and safety inspections. I'm pretty sure every cyclist shares my views.

If the central Government and local councils are so determined to set an example they must first sort our the basic problems. I invite any MP to accompany me on a ride around the area where I will gladly set them straight on what problems there are and what should be done to make this a safe place to ride where the council can promote this message in confidence.

Alan Tyson Fetchbank Lancaster