Equality on roads

Firstly, it is acceptable for someone to be innocent until proven guilty in criminal law but not civil law.

This axiom of innocence before guilt seems a common-sense approach but it seems that cyclists want motorists to be exempt from this in the case of any misunderstandings on the roads.

Secondly, to state that the vast majority of cyclists are responsible is rather sweeping and, to me, inaccurate. The number of cyclists who treat roads and footpaths as their own personal domain is increasing.

Why should cyclists be given easier and quicker access to  recompense and compensation over other members of society who feel aggrieved by the presumed negligence of others?

By law, motorists must have insurance so are an easy touch for the untrained, unlicensed and uninsured cyclist.

Let us have a level playing field. Let us introduce legislation to make cyclists accountable under criminal or civil law – and then motorists, and pedestrians, may take their representations under consideration.

David J Mackenzie

Inverkeithing