THE recent comments in HAS regarding motorcycling only exemplify the dangers of elected representatives or indeed police officers making knowingly divisive or plain incorrect comments in the media.

For example, while privately acknowledged, we have yet to see the chief constable of North Yorkshire publicly correct her officers assertion that “going for a ride on a motorcycle” is not currently allowed.

Without such public correction, this misinformation is only feeding these dangerous levels of misunderstanding in the wider community.

It is therefore perhaps understandable than some mistakenly believe that travel needs to be essential or for means of exercise. Or indeed that those who happen to understand and abide by the regulations are deemed to be “arrogant.”

Others sadly, are seemingly deliberately conflating any alleged breach of the Covid-19 regulations with their obvious dislike for motorcycles in general which can ultimately result in greater division and antagonism on our roads and in our communities.

Therefore, I can only reiterate that it is entirely lawful and within the Covid-19 guidelines to ride motorcycles to any destination, anywhere in England whilst of course abiding by all highway regulations.

I would therefore urge all those in positions of authority to use their influence to bring our various communities together with a message of clarity and mutual respect.

Ian Holme, Hurworth.