I WOULD like to correct a few points in J Hall's letter (Readers' Write, April 15) regarding the use of green paint for non-existent cyclists.

First of all, we do exist. In fact Trafford has probably the highest levels of cycling in Greater Manchester.

Secondly, paying road tax doesn't mean motorist's own the road. However, many cyclists like myself also own cars and therefore pay road tax as well as council income and Value Added Tax.

Regretably, a few cyclists don't use lights at night. But then again, is there a motorist reading this that has never broken the speed limit, failed to indicate at a junction or parked on a pavement?

Fortunately, most cyclists when cycling on the pavement do so with care and consideration for pedestrians. Others, such as children, do so because the roads appear too dangerous, which is where the green paint comes in.

By creating a safer environment, cyclists can get back onto the roads where they belong, and our children can regain the freedom to travel that I'm sure J Hall, like myself, enjoyed as a child.

Thank you Trafford, some of us like green paint.

Steve Bowater, Stretford.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.