I CAN understand the reactions of those residents of Manchester Road, Bury, who object to the introduction of cycle lanes.

What they perceive as "their territory" is being invaded and a "right" - that they feel has been acquired through usage - is being taken away.

If I was not concerned about road safety and the environment, no doubt my understanding would extend to sympathy.

However, I have been assured that the introduction of cycle lanes results in a slowing down of traffic, which must reduce accidents and the seriousness of most of those that do occur. So, while only a modest number of people who own bicycles use the designated lane facility, there is an immediate benefit.

It will be many years before motorists, in general, sufficiently modify their behaviour for a significant number of people to feel safe on bicycles.

The metropolitan authority though, is to be commended on its attempt to make a contribution to reducing traffic congestion, its speed and, just as importantly, the amount of pollution by encouraging a laudable alternative means of transportation. In respect of the latter benefit it would, in particular, benefit those who live closest to exhaust emissions.

Despite this pollution those who ride bicycles regularly will generally be more healthy than those who use cars for all journeys. I can attest to the benefit of my modest 600 cycling miles per year.

I expect that as a car-user (about 6,000 miles per year) I will have to accept increasing governmental restrictions in future. No doubt my children, who rely heavily on their cars, will be frustrated but if sanity is to prevail then they, like all other car-users, will have to learn to accept restrictions and increased charges for using the roads.

PETER ROSCOE,

Horncastle Close, Bury.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.