ANDREW ROBINSON,
Sir, - The law placing primary responsibility on motorists in the event of contact between motor vehicles and cyclists or pedestrians should be welcomed for the very reasons Paul Kenny (letters, August 21st) opposes it.
He says: "Unlike cyclists in certain other EU countries, the general behaviour of Irish cyclists is poor", but, like your leader writer (August 9th), he makes no connection between the good behaviour of Dutch (and similar) cyclists and their bike-friendly laws; or, if anything, implies that the good behaviour earned the favourable laws - as a reward?
Motorists who keenly look out for cyclists will be a welcome feature on our roads, and cyclists will breathe thankful sighs for their concern. Timid cyclists, currently lurking at home or taking motor transport, will again venture out; to the benefit of all, including the motorists. Urban cycling will cease to be viewed as an extreme sport (it is not; I've been doing it without injury for 40-odd years) and the upshot will be more room for all and better health for the community.
A situation where road users vie with each other to be onside with the law is greatly to be desired. - Yours, etc.,
ANDREW ROBINSON, Donnybrook, Dublin 4