Rules of road for cyclists

IT was good to read Olympic champion Laura Trott’s comments about irresponsible cyclists (Tom Richmond, Yorkshire Post, September 7).

She referred particularly to cyclists jumping red traffic lights and the need for them to obey the rules of the road. Added to the list should be cycling in single file, especially on narrow country roads when traffic is approaching; giving an audible warning before overtaking pedestrians and moderating language when cycling through country villages.

Cycling for fun or competition may well be entertaining for the participants but spare a thought for those of us trying to get to work, carry on with day to day living, or enjoy a peaceful life.

There have been many comments from cyclists in recent months complaining about their problems with motorists, perhaps they should also think about their attitudes to other road users and local residents. Making an effort to understand the impact that their ever increasing numbers are having on the rest of us should make the roads safer for all and inculcate a more accepting attitude from others.

Message on 
a bobbin

From: Peter F Meal, The Pines, Huby, Leeds.

THE other day, I watched a recording I had made on August 18 of the Hairy Bikers on one of their fascinating Restoration Road Trips programmes.

Part of the programme included a visit to a textile museum where they were shown a bobbin room containing, apparently, the world’s largest collection of this essential part of the spinning process; over 660,000 of them it was claimed and every one of them individually labelled.

One was taken at random from this assembly. It was marked George Mallinson & Son, Spring Grove Mills, Linthwaite, Huddersfield.

My father started work there in 1912 at the age of 14.