Visibly better

Published on 24/08/2012 00:00

I AGREE with all of Dr Michael Gray’s points about cycle safety (Letters, 20 August), and do understand that in other – highly cycle-aware – countries helmets and high-visibility vests are not much in evidence.

That is because those countries have invested in an infrastructure that favours the cyclist (aided, sadly, by overkill in some cases) and the rules – as Dr Gray says – are clearly understood.

I used the word “anarchy” (Letters, 16 August) because none of these factors prevail in ­Scotland.

The urban fabric is old and very restricted and there are few dedicated cycle routes in town or country.

Until things improve substantially (which is unlikely to happen for many years) the rule, indeed the law, should be – be seen.

High-viz is common sense and signals respect for other road users (who will respond positively).

Those who choose to be 
difficult to see bear considerable responsibility for their own safety.

David Roche

Alder Grove

Scone, Perthshire