AS a motorcyclist for over 50 years, five as an instructor, I feel I can comment on John Bailey’s loud exhaust. (HAS, June 29)

Some while ago a letter was in Motor Cycle News. In it the rider described his experience. Someone pulled out from a side road in front of him and they collided. He heard the usual excuse given to motorcyclists for this. “Sorry mate I didn’t see you.” This surprised him.

He said: “How did he know that I was a motorcyclist? I was driving my Fire Engine at the time with bells and blue lights going!”

I used to tell my pupils: “Ride as if you are invisible and everybody is out to get you.”

It worked for me, and I tried to make my bikes as quiet as possible so as to avoid annoying people.

Bill Bartle, Barnard Castle.