AS a motorist I give due consideration to cyclists on the roads. So why is it, as a pedestrian, I take my life in my hands every time I walk on the pavements due to people of all ages, men and women, riding their bicycles, often at considerable speed, on those pavements?

Today I encountered three cyclists riding along the pavements in King Street, Hereford, and yesterday I was nearly seriously injured by a cyclist on the pavement in Bridge Street and I have encountered similar problems in other parts of the city.

The situation is becoming almost endemic. The message seems to be that, if you are a motorist and don't comply with parking arrangements and traffic signs, financial penalties ensue. But it appears that as a cyclist I would be immune from prosecution irrespective of what road traffic regulations I choose to ignore.

Someone has recently been seriously injured and subsequently died. Something must be done to bring an end to this flouting of the law.

J JONES Bridge Street, Hereford