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.