I WAS shocked and saddened to read about the tragic death of young Becky Hope, who was killed after her bicycle was in collision with a car on May 20. My heart goes out to her family.
Your article quoted RoSPA's Roger Vincent as saying "Becky's death is a tragic reminder of how dangerous roads can be."
As somebody who tries to cycle rather than use the car for short journeys I wholeheartedly agree with him. Increased traffic volume has made cycling very difficult now.
He suggested that cyclists should receive training and wear helmets etc, and while I agree with this I wish he had also appealed to motorists to take more care looking for cyclists, slowing down and leaving plenty of room when overtaking them.
I have been cycling for many years now and consider myself a safe cyclist, but increasingly I feel that motorists do not take enough notice of those on bicycles.
I fear that this tragedy will make some parents think twice about allowing their children to cycle to school etc, causing a vicious circle of even more traffic on our roads.
Perhaps those at the Somerset County Gazette, who are so accomplished at getting things done, could run a 'Think Bike' campaign to make our roads safer for children and those of us who still choose to cycle?
I for one would be very grateful.
J. STOKES Sweethay Close, Staplehay.
EDITOR'S NOTE: A thought-provoking letter in this age of increasing congestion on our roads -- the County Gazette will definitely give it some thought.
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