Sir, - As a cyclist I wish to reply to Mary Holland's column of April 28th. I have cycled to and from work for the past number of years. I do this not because I have a superior attitude to motorists or because I am a keep-fit fanatic. I cycle because our family cannot afford a second car and the public transport in my area does not meet my needs.
In the years I have been cycling I have obeyed the rules of the road and as far as I am aware I am courteous to all other road users. However, in this time I have been knocked off my bicycle six times by motorists - twice by cars which did not stop at red lights; twice by drivers who passed me and then proceeded to pull in and throw open their car doors, once by a motorist who came at speed from a side road on to the main road as I passed by; and finally by a motorist who was in the incorrect lane.
Currently I am recovering from a broken nose and broken ankle after being knocked down in broad daylight by a motorist who simply said she never saw me. Ms Holland should not judge all cyclists on her experience of one irresponsible fellow who appears to have a death wish. - Yours, etc.,
Julia Heffernan, Innishmore Grove, Ballincollig, Co Cork.