Letters: Show respect for others and you’ll get it in return

I READ in the News (February 2) that almost 100 cyclists in the Capital were issued with fixed penalty notices for dangerous or inconsiderate cycling over the last year.

I am all for encouraging cycling as a mode of transport in the city, especially if it helps reduce traffic congestion.

And while I applaud those who take to two wheels to cut costs and improve their fitness, unfortunately there are too many among them who do not follow the rules and consequently are a nuisance to other road users.

I always give as much room as possible to cyclists when I am driving, especially since a friend of mine had her wing mirror knocked off in the summer by a cyclist who claimed she was too close to him.

Just last week, though, I had an unnerving experience involving a cyclist. Having given the “gentleman” concerned an extremely wide berth, I was shocked when he turned on me at the traffic lights.

He said I had not given him enough space, and told me so using language I had never even heard before.

Being a woman on my own, I looked away and tried to ignore him. This only seemed to anger him more, and he took a bottle from the frame of his bike and squirted water on to the bonnet of my car.

I have no idea what point he was trying to prove, but I was relieved when the light changed and he pedalled off.

Please cyclists, have respect for other road users, and it will be returned.

Helen Burns, Duddingston Road, Edinburgh

Licence to create a mail headache

I FEAR P Brown (TV licence not worth paying for, Letters, February 2) may be in for a frustrating time.

He may indeed communicate the fact that he has given up having a TV Licence to the TV Licensing Agency, but I forecast he will still find he receives reminders and warning letters no matter how many times he informs them.

In my experience, there is no use phoning them to advise them of new circumstances since they do not appear capable of absorbing verbal notification over the phone.

Months and years later he may find that he has a mountain of letters and warning letters from the TV Licensing Agency all ignoring that he has given up his television and told them so repeatedly!

Good luck Mr Brown, I think you will need it!

Angus Logan, Coates Gardens, Edinburgh

Quick to judge on speeding charge

IT seems to me that the people who are gloating most at the decision to charge Chris Huhne wouldn’t hesitate before doing exactly the same thing of which he and his ex-wife are accused.

What intrigues me is what would public opinion say were he to turn Queen’s Evidence, thus avoiding prosecution and possibly securing the conviction of his former wife?

John Hein, Montgomery Street, Edinburgh

Crucial to pick best care option

I WRITE in response to the article from David Manion of Age Scotland in response to calls by Dame Judi Dench that families should care for their elderly relatives at home (News, February 1).

Mr Manion makes a number of very valid points. The vast majority provide great care, support and even a renewed social life to their residents.

“Care at home” is also becoming an increasingly popular option and again there are some great services out there. Improving care at home availability and standards, support from family and the accessibility of external organisations such as lunch clubs can go a long way in helping people stay in their own homes.

If people choose to take on the care of elderly relatives, they will quickly realise this can be a massive undertaking. If staying together is the right decision for the family, consideration should be given to arrange regular respite care.

The Self-Directed Support Bill going through parliament at the moment will make it easier for people to pick the option that is right for them as every decision is personal.

As the numbers of elderly people continue to increase, we must look at ways to ensure people are given the right options that allow the elderly and their families to enjoy their twilight years.

Lianne Lodge, Associate, Pagan Osborne and Member of Solicitors for the Elderly, Queen Street, Edinburgh