I CONGRATULATE David Lacey (HAS, May 27) on his remarkably tolerant view about cyclists using footpaths which are not designated “shared use” for pedestrians and bikes and sympathise with him on his experience with the moron with the foul mouth and music device.

Cycling on the footpath is an offence and I think it can carry a penalty of up to £200, which is more than some motorists have been fined for the death of a cyclist for careless driving.

As Mr Lacey points out, it is understandable why sometimes cyclists are almost forced onto footpaths out of self preservation due to traffic conditions – even though they have a statutory right to be on roads other than motorways.

Mr Lacey’s moron would have a warning device – his voice, which is accepted as “means of advertising approach” and can be activated more quickly than a bell.

However, his attitude obviously precluded use of either. There are also some cyclists who are embarrassed to use their bell for fear of giving the impression of “out of my way, I’m coming through”.

As a cyclist, I’ve also encountered “plugged in”

walkers, so no warning device could have any effect. Shared use footpaths are far from ideal, so a bit of common sense and tolerance wouldn’t come amiss.

Bryan Chambers, Belmont, Durham.