I WRITE in support of Peter Eyres' letter (April 10) on Bob Blizzard MP's critcisms (April 3) of Suffolk County Council giving priority to walking and cycling.

I WRITE in support of Peter Eyres' letter (April 10) on Bob Blizzard MP's critcisms (April 3) of Suffolk County Council giving priority to walking and cycling.

Mr Blizzard's comments are short-sighted and uninformed and he is aware of my position as a cycling representative for the area. Did it not occur to him to ask me? In any case, part of the idea of such schemes is to get people thinking about cycling who would not otherwise. There is abundant evidence that it works.

An MP should realise that many people are reticent about getting involved with the politics. Mr Blizzard particularly criticises the �675,000.00 being spent on a cycling facility over the railway line at Oulton Broad south, as did Evie McGeady (February 20). Cyclists have been clipped by car wing mirrors riding over that bridge. It takes a close second place to the bascule bridge as the biggest deterrent to cycling in Lowestoft. It is close to a school in Dell Road so a cycling facility would encourage more school run cycling, especially now the car parking is being restricted.

Many children would prefer to cycle to school and it can be combined with highly professional cycle proficiency training. Are Mr Blizzard and Ms McGeady suggesting the county council should not be bothered to encourage such a sensible attitude in children?

Mr Blizzard and Ms McGeady infer that the �675,000.00 should go toward the cost of a third crossing. That amount would be miniscule and the third crossing, if it comes, is some years away. Are we seriously not supposed to spend a penny in the meantime to improve things?

Yes, some frail elderly people would have difficulty cycling. Those who genuinely need to use cars are helped by those who can use other means doing so.

A third crossing would not make cycling over the bascule bridge safer. My point is now made by Mr Blizzard arguing that we need more cars coming into Lowestoft. The county council wants to provide a crossing for cyclists and pedestrians. They cannot progress it because of the uncertainties about the future of Station Square, mainly the ludicrous proposal to move the railway station.

One of the winners of the recession is the cycle trade as many people want a cheaper form of transport. As Mr Eyres effectively explained, Lowestoft businesses would benefit from the encouragement of their use.

JOHN THOMPSON

Dell Road

Oulton Broad