Under the lyrical headline "Strolling to the theatre" (The Argus, October 21), we learned Brighton and Hove City Council is to create "a pedestrian-friendly theatreland" by levelling New Road and removing its pavements and road markings, which would have designated where cars, bikes and people should travel, "so vehicles will have to travel slowly and give way to people on foot".

I assume this ingenious arrangement will be introduced on April 1. On the other hand, the council may be serious. These days it is difficult to tell.

The previous day, The Argus reported a police crackdown on cyclists who "intimidate pedestrians and motorists".

Intimidate? That means to strike fear into or threaten violence, according to my dictionary.

I hadn't realised the perils of sharing the roads with them. All the while, motorists are at risk, despite being protected only by sheet metal, reinforced glass, sturdy upholstery, seat belts and potentially lethal bullbars.

Motorists have to rely on just four wheels to maintain their balance and are frequently unaware of the two-wheeled menace because of the distractions of mobile phones.

Terrified motorists' only real defence from these intimidating people on bikes is the facility, often seen, to open a car door without first looking in their rear-view mirror.

-Edward Goring, Ovingdean