A great deal of criticism has been expressed by rival factions of road users and the drivers of a particular vehicle are singled out.

However, recently an elderly acquaintance – while cycling steadily around the country lanes of South Gloucestershire – rounded a corner and had a fall.

Was it the gravel or an oil slick, one wonders?

He could not move but luckily a vehicle appeared and stopped. It was a white van man.

He parked so as to protect the fallen rider, summoned emergency services and remained at the scene until the ambulance crew with a stretcher board were ready to convey the injured person to hospital.

It turned out to be a broken hip and femur, and he is now recovering at home.

But while in hospital, he was quite moved and so pleased to have received a nice get-well card from the 10-year-old daughter of white van man. Well done to them both for their care. There must be hope for all road users yet.

Pete Baldwin,

Almondsbury.