Occasionally the "war" between cyclists and pedestrians finds its way to the pages of The Argus.

Many years ago, I was a cyclist but I should be reluctant to venture out on the road in today's traffic.

The current laws arise from the historic concept that pavements were solely for pedestrians and wheeled conveyances had to use the road. For many years, this nonsensical law meant that a pram, push-chair or shopping trolley had to be wheeled on the road. It was abandoned when common sense allowed them on to pavements.

With the vast increase of road traffic, it is perhaps time to take a common sense approach to cycles on the roads and promenades.

The present laws are divisive and are the cause of the friction between the two factions. At the stroke of a pen, the authorities could give cyclists the option of either using the wider road if they wish, or the pavements and promenades.

Thus pedestrians and cyclists would be encouraged to live in harmony instead of perpetual dispute.

Cycle lanes could be retained and riders choose to use them voluntarily but there would no longer be a need for the prolific "no cycling" signs, which for the most part, are ignored anyway.

Major cycling and club events would, of course, have to be confined to the road.

I wouldn't expect this to bring about a major change as cyclists seem to please themselves already but the resentment would be removed from the pedestrians and sensible consideration on both sides would help both groups to co-exist.

-Dale Marland, Hove