I TOTALLY agree with Daphne Clark’s opinion (D&S Times, June 16) that cyclists riding in packs on country roads, often two or three abreast, are not only a menace to other road users but they are endangering themselves.

Highway Code rule 66 clearly states that cyclists must ride in single file on narrow or busy roads. The police have qualified this rule by advising cyclists to ride within 75cm of the nearside of the road. Motorists are advised to allow a 150cm gap between their vehicle and the cyclists being overtaken.

Conversely the leader of a local cycling club instructs his members to ride in the centre of the carriageway in order to discourage motorists from overtaking.

Of course one has to remember that cyclists have the right of way but they in turn need to understand that even a small car, driven carelessly, can seriously injure them.

A bus or an HGV can make mincemeat out of them.

It would be safer for all if competitive cycling was restricted to velodromes or to roads which are temporarily closed to the public. Club cyclists engaged in practice sessions should be banned from public roads.

After all, motorists are not allowed to race on the public roads so why do the powers that be encourage cyclists to do so?

Clive Bailey, Stockton-on-Tees