The time has come for Brighton to say no to hosting the fundraising bike ride on behalf of the British Heart Foundation.

I write as a committed cyclist and someone who took part in the first few rides.

However, that was nearly 30 years ago and in that time the event has grown as substantially as personal car use.

The event has been able to proceed successfully at the large levels for quite some time but the past two years have seen a growth of antipathy from Brighton residents.

The decision by train operator Southern to withdraw its services to cyclists seeking to return home after the event, and their dogged determination to police this policy by employing "security" staff, creates a need for Brighton and Hove City Council to seriously consider whether this event can be tolerated as it turned a double-lane city artery into a clogged car park. At least in a car park engines are turned off.

This jam meant many Brighton residents were unable even to move around the town unhindered, whether by bike, car, or on foot.

Essential services were also affected. Not since the Fat Boy Slim beach party has the fire service been so hindered. Let's not forget local hospital Health Service staff and care-workers throughout the city need to get to work and other services, such as Meals on Wheels need to function.

I used to love the event and the celebration of the power of the bike. But the problem with cyclists' own traffic is that it is our problem and we can't wait for other people to come up with solutions.

I wonder how many of those who taking part do as I do when making any journey - cycle whenever possible and leave the car at home.

With more attention on traffic congestion and pollution levels, we need to think seriously about prioritising bicycles around our city on

a permanent basis, with a decent, well thought through cycle network.

-Jerry Swift, Brighton