CHRISTINE Andrews (Cyclists Must Obey The Rules Of The Road, News Shopper, May 14) appears to take the stance cyclists should be subject to all the regulations and financial restrictions which apply to motorists.

Ms Andrews would like cyclists to pay Vehicle Excise Duty as she, like most people, incorrectly believes such a payment contributes to road maintenance.

In fact it only goes directly to motorway maintenance and the responsibility for local roads lies with the council, which funds it through a combination of council tax, PAYE and local business rates.

So I'm sorry Ms Andrews, cyclists, horse riders and even pedestrians who pay any of these have an equal right to the road as motorists do.

In fact, should more people cycle instead of driving, the roads would need repairing less often, and instead of berating cyclists Ms Andrews should be applauding us for saving her money.

I would pay Vehicle Excise Duty for my bicycle as I would be charged the same as zero emission vehicles - nothing.

I'm sorry if Ms Andrews is sometimes held up for 10 seconds while I ride along a narrow road, but believe me, I'm going as fast as I can.

I get as irritated as the next driver when a cyclist runs a red light.

I'm not for one second justifying this, and it's not something I ever do, but a cyclist shooting a red light is unlikely to be putting anyone apart from themselves at risk.

The same cannot be said for drivers on mobile phones, eating their breakfast or turning round in a moving vehicle to talk.

Cycling is cheap, fun, and a wonderful way to keep fit.

It would be lovely if more car drivers were prepared to give it a go.

JANET PULLAN, address supplied