The Age: Letters August 6

The case for lanes

I implore the State Government to fund Copenhagen-style bike lanes. How fitting to read “The Cycle Solution” (The Age, 3/8) after spending six hours the evening before in casualty at The Alfred hospital. Our 19-year-old daughter was riding her bike when a driver sped up to make a left turn in front of her. Braking suddenly to avoid collision with the car caused her to flip over the handlebars, landing on her face, and fracturing her jaw. Unbelievably, the driver did not stop.

Witnesses came to her aid and called the paramedics. I agree with Professor Nick Low that more people should leave their cars behind for the sake of their health and the environment. Ironically, my daughter chooses to cycle on certain days because the trains are so crowded during peak hour. In the meantime, could we all please slow down and give that extra second or two to let a bicycle pass?

Coni Force, Sandringham

Not on the footpath

Bikes are good things — but people walking are at least as good. Too many bikes use pedestrian footpaths — too often, arrogantly. I have dodged many and been hit twice. It is enough that bikes get dedicated traffic lanes. Ban them from footpaths and give those back to us.

Ray Nichols, Port Melbourne