SIR: Your correspondent’s evident desire to discourage urban cycling is likely to result in exasperating the very problem that he is complaining about (Letters, October 1). A proportion of those adults that could cycle will turn to their cars as their need to travel will still exist; like wise a proportion of youngsters who could cycle to school or elsewhere (including to the new sports centre) will be driven there by their parents. All of this puts pressure on the road space in Winchester. More cycling will actually help other road users by freeing up road space and taking pressure off car parking. Far from being “Anti Social” I contend that cyclists are actually providing public benefit.

Your correspondent exaggerates the impact of cyclists on traffic flow; my experience as a driver is that it usually the volume of cars that are causing congestion (and pollution) rather than cyclists. For example in the, admittedly unlikely, event of free flowing traffic in St Georges street I calculate a cyclist travelling at 10mph would add less than 20 seconds to a bus journey that would otherwise be travelling at 20mph.

The increased use of dedicated bus lanes would do more to speed up bus journeys than removing cyclists from the roads.

As a cyclist I would welcome an up hill cycle lane on Romsey road; however I’m not expecting it any time soon as it would be challenging to create; Winchester’s record over the last 20 years of creating useful cycling provision is woeful.

I support your correspondent’s enthusiasm for buses. Today’s buses are relatively clean and now electric buses are beginning to be made. Electric buses are currently expensive and will need tax payers support in the medium term together with supporting infrastructure.

Cycling is part of the solution to providing urban transport and supporting a vibrant, connected, city. It should be encouraged together with walking. This is especially true during the current pandemic easing pressure on public transport and avoiding increased car use.

Jeremy Mortimer,

Harrow Down,

Badger Farm