DESPITE Daphne Clarke’s assurances of her cycling history and knowledge (D&S Times, June 16) she simply hasn’t heard or taken current advice about cycling safety from Cycling UK or British Cycling.

Cycling in the primary position, which is to the left of centre of the carriageway is a recommended strategy when it is unsafe for the cyclist to be easily overtaken. It means a car driver has to move into the opposite carriageway to overtake, making it safer for the cyclist, and ultimately safer for the car driver rather than trying to squeeze between a vulnerable cyclist and an oncoming car.

Furthermore, cycling two abreast is legal and can be safer for two reasons, firstly it means the car must move into the opposite carriageway and secondly a phalanx of cyclists in a five-by-two formation is easier to overtake than a straggling line that is ten-by-one.

There are of course inconsiderate cyclists but there are also inconsiderate car drivers. Ms Clarke should also remember that nearly all adult cyclists are also motorists, they know what it is to be a driver.

The major difficulty for cyclists is those drivers who do not appreciate what it is to be a cyclist.

Ben Scotting, Scorton

I WAS sorry to read the letters in your letters column (D&S Times, June 9) complaining about cyclists.

As a motorist, I never encounter such people and as a cyclist and member of Leyburn Cycling, I can assure your readers that we take courtesy towards other road users very seriously.

In particular in this part of the world, we take care not to “spook” horses.

Our practice is to give the horses and their riders audible warning when about 30m behind a horse.

I am sorry to hear of bad experiences but be assured that the overwhelming majority of cyclists do ride with thought for others.

Also, we are nearly all motorists too so pay road fund tax along with everyone else.

Gerald Hodgson, Leyburn Cycling, Spennithorne