Cyclists and drivers should show respect

I do not wish to reopen the debate between motorists and cyclists but I would like to appeal to motorists to be aware of and take more care around cyclists like myself who try to obey the law at all times and just want to be able to travel on their bikes safely.

I stop at red lights, I use lights on my bike when it's dark, I wear bright or reflective clothing according to the conditions at the time. I wear a cycle helmet. In other words I do what it suggests I do in the Highway Code and yet it appears it's still not enough.

Yesterday I was knocked off my bike at a roundabout by a motorist who came from behind me and immediately turned left in front of me into the first exit road. I do not wish to discuss the rights and wrongs of the incident. All I know is that today when I cycled to work I felt very nervous and vulnerable. Motorists are protected by a metal shell that is packed with safety features designed to protect them in the event of a collision. Cyclists have nothing. I was lucky, I only have a few bumps and bruises and less confidence than before, others are not so fortunate.

Please motorists give cyclists more room and thought. Even if you are held up for a few seconds waiting for a cyclist to clear your exit road you can soon make it up in your powerful vehicle. Cyclists take up less room on the road than cars, if all the cyclists got back in their cars your journey time would be lengthened and the jams would be far worse than they are now. All we need to do is treat each other with a bit of respect and respect each others right to be on the road.

Sue Jones, by email.