I STRONGLY support the plea in The Northern Echo (Oct 21) that bicycles should be banned from pedestrianised areas, in Darlington.

Post House Wynd and both its junctions are particularly hazardous.

I remember when there was a “consultation” in the Dolphin Centre to promote cycling in Darlington and I tried to explain the hazards to a Labour councillor, but I could see that although she appeared to be listening, her mind was made up.

Darlington Borough Council quote an average of one such incident per year, as if that absolves it from responsibility.

We elderly shoppers frequently see near misses but how can we supply names and descriptions of fly-by cyclists?

I feel so sad for Brian Coates and his family.

D Lincoln, Darlington

DARLINGTON Borough Council says that, on average, there is one incident involving a bike in the town centre reported each year, as if this means there is no problem.

Do councillors never walk through the town centre and witness what goes on every single day with bikes travelling at speed through pedestrians?

Over the years I have lobbied the council, Darlington police, and The Northern Echo about this issue, but there is a head in the sand attitude.

Why is Darlington so much worse than any other town I know of in its tolerance of this?

Where are the police?

When did it become legal to cycle on pavements?

“Pedestrian” means someone who walks on foot. “Pedestrianised” means designed for the use of pedestrians.

My best wishes to Mr Coates and his family. Keep up the campaign.

G Carr, Aycliffe Village