BIKE SAFETY: I CAN think of someone more selfish than an irresponsible motorcyclist - a journalist using his privilege of column space to vent his biased opinions whilst hiding behind a mask of anonymity (Echo, August 5).

Indeed, reckless motorcyclists are a nuisance just as are reckless motorists. It probably is 'only a matter of time' before a motorcyclist "wipes out an innocent group of people" but some car drivers are already doing it, yet strangely, the man-with-no-name doesn't advocate the police pointing 'hairdryers' at every motorist. Could it be that his concern for public safety stops short of risking any inconvenience to himself?

As a motorcyclist of 30 years and half a million miles, I consider riders such as myself and the relevant traffic police to have a far better grasp of the problem than any wordsmith whose primary objective, after all, is to merely sell newspapers.

To suggest that the Cleveland and Northumbria police only target motorists or, that the North Yorkshire police are allowing bikers to 'speed with impunity' is ridiculous. I alone have been stopped on several occasions for spot checks and advice by the police and fully appreciate why they are doing it. Would our friend be so open minded if they stopped him in his car as often?

If the 'campaigning newspaper' wants a worthwhile cause of real interest to its readers, ignore a few idiot bikers, try asking Tony Blair why the US military are occupying this country. - Mick Garbutt, Darlington.

I AGREE with much of your editorial (Echo, Aug 5) but I have to say that a lot of motorists have no regard for the safety of motorcyclists. Pulling out in front, trying to stop them overtaking, or filtering when it is perfectly safe to do so, probably causes more accidents than the obvious stupidity that is seen from a very small minority on bikes. An idiot in a car or van or even an HGV has the potential to cause a lot more havoc than a biker. - L Potts, Bishop Auckland.

YOUR Comment column (Echo, Aug 5) was hard hitting, but unfortunately not completely true and gave a very distorted view about motorcycling in the dales. I have ridden for 30 years and frequently travel the dales roads. I'm 48, going bald but have not left my brain behind.

There is a minority of motorcyclists who act irresponsibly, overtaking at inappropriate places, cut up motorists and generally ride as fast as they can to keep up with their friends even though this causes them to ride beyond their ability.

However, there are many experienced motorcyclists like myself who may also ride "briskly" but do so sensibly, where road conditions are appropriate and give consideration to motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders, etc and ride within their limits.

Motorcycling demands 100 per cent concentration and considerably more skill than driving a car. I like to think that I'm in control, unlike some car drivers who'll be busy admiring the scenery, changing the CD, on the mobile or being distracted by the fighting children in the back seat.

The police often set up mobile speed traps on popular biking roads and also pull in bikes only for exhaust and number plate checks. However, I realise the police need to curb dangerous riding and excessive speeds and have made some positive attempts to bring this home to motorcyclists with some constructive campaigns.

You say that the increase in deaths is due to the rising sales of high-powered sports bikes. However, sales have been constant over the last few years and where is your evidence to show that all of these deaths were caused by excessive speed? The bikes are fast, but only one or two are capable of 180mph. Most motorcyclists would probably agree that the top speed is irrelevant as it would never be realised on open roads.

The roads in the dales are not dangerous or crowded. They may be twisty and demand some respect, but they are some of the best motorcycling roads in the country.

Ask the cafe owners if they think that the motorcyclists will drive away business - on the contrary we bring trade to the area.

I do not condone the actions of those irresponsible motorcyclists and the deaths are tragic, but we all have a right to enjoy the countryside and to pursue our chosen leisure activity. I would not like to see any further restrictions in our liberty to enjoy ourselves. - Steve Boucher, Darlington.

ROAD SAFETY

STOCKTON Pedestrians Group only touches on one aspect of the way the law is being totally ignored by many motorists all over Stockton (Echo, Aug 4). As a regular pedestrian, and also a motorist, I am continually frustrated at the manner in which vehicles have taken over the town: pavements are used as car parks, road markings are ignored.

What is the point of the people in authority deciding where to put parking restrictions when they are ignored by many motorists - I see the same vehicles time and again parked illegally.

Disabled motorists should park in reserved spaces within the existing car parks and in other allocated disabled parking places. They should not have a licence to park anywhere.

If a decision has been taken to restrict parking in a certain area, then that should be final. The reasons for restricting parking do not disappear by putting a badge on the dashboard of a vehicle. This is a worthy scheme that is being totally abused.

Perhaps the time has come to abandon all parking restrictions, then at least the "honest" parkers will have equal rights with the offenders. - Ray Blythe, Stockton.