THERE have been several letters published in the Guardian recently regarding cycling on footpaths, including two from me.

One gentleman made reference to the attitude in some other countries. In the Netherlands, which I know well, if cyclists breach the law they are soon stopped by the river police officers, who carry guns.

The cyclists are soon stopped by shots in their tyres, together with a heavy fine.

Here the police do not want to know because, unlike motorists, they do not pay road tax or have insurance, although cycling on footpaths is breaking the law.

I repeat: last January my friend was knocked down by a cyclist on the footpath outside my front gate. Is this ever going to stop?

Anne Osborne Sandiway