I have just spent a week's holiday along the west coast of France. I was amazed to see so many groups of families cycling along both country and town roads, apparently in complete safety. All cars treated them with the utmost respect, even at roundabouts.

The highlight was in La Rochelle, where yellow-painted cycles owned by the local authority were available free for two hours.

Perhaps one day we British cyclists won't be tempted to ride along the pavement or promenade.

-R G Jenkins, Hove