Cycle of life

On BEHALF of Cycle Law Scotland, I am disappointed with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruling (your report, 29 January). We strongly support Cycling Scotland and Clearcast’s arguments for the advert.

If Scotland is to achieve its vision of 10 per cent of journeys by bicycle by 2020, we need to encourage safer cycling.

We need to create a culture where cyclists are given space not because they are wearing a helmet or are lit up like a Christmas tree, but because they are seen as vulnerable road users.

Improved infrastructure, legal protection, better training and education for all road users are just some of the measures which need to be introduced.

I would also like to point out that the ASA considered that showing a cyclist without a helmet undermined the recommendations in the Highway Code yet went on to say when the car overtook the cyclist it had to “almost enter the right-hand lane”, as if that was a criticism of the cyclist’s position.

I would suggest it takes a closer look at rule 163 in which the code suggests that, when overtaking, drivers must give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much space as you would a car. If the ASA wishes to cite the Highway Code I would suggest it familiarises itself with the rules and adopt a consistent approach to its interpretation.

Brenda Mitchell

Cycle Law Scotland and RoadShare