I feel I must respond to Bryan Simmons’ letter A Wheel Dilemma.
Firstly all cyclists contribute directly to the upkeep of our roads via their general taxation and furthermore about 83 per cent own one or more vehicles and pay vehicle excise duty (VED). It is a common misconception that VED (presumably it is this that Mr Simmons thinks gives him greater road rights) has anything to do with road construction or maintenance. It has not. Roads are funded from the general taxation pot, so we all contribute.
Perhaps if more motorists took this on board we might all be able to share the highways and byways with a little more consideration for each other. On the point regarding potholes, as a club cyclist for over 60 years I have to say that our roads are currently in the worst state that I have ever known, so anything that results in some getting fixed (which I very much doubt) will be a blessing to us all.
John Weaire, Westbury Wheelers, Founder Member and Club President.
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