With reference to the letter from Peter Grey (January 1), who said cyclists "will keep riding our bikes in the woods. It isn't hurting anyone", I and my family have walked in the park since 1964.

We enjoy the beautiful and wild scenery and the prehistoric hill fort upon which it stands. It is these which are in danger from these cyclists.

I live opposite the park and, when filming a video last May, was standing at the bottom of the steep steps from Wild Park to the Coldean Estate.

My friends and I were almost run over by a mountain biker in his late-20s, who rode full-speed down the steps and almost into us. He didn't even apologise. He could have killed a child or pensioner who wouldn't have been able to get out of the way in time.

These riders usually aren't local, nor are they young, but men in their late-20s and 30s from outside the area, with expensive bikes and equipment.

So, as Peter Grey tries to suggest, the old chestnut of "taking away leisure activities for local youths" does not apply.

About a month later, my 14-yearold son was riding his bike in the woods with a friend. Suddenly, the path dropped away to reveal a jump which he could not stop to avoid in time.

He shot up about eight feet and launched off the side of the hill, landing on his head. He was only saved by his crash helmet and without it, could have died.

As he landed, the mouthpiece on the helmet cut clean through his collarbone. He also smashed the end of the collarbone.

He has been left with a permanent injury where the collarbone has not knitted cleanly. My son's bike was also destroyed. There were no signs indicating a ramp.

These mountain bikers from outside Moulsecoomb have destroyed our park, cutting down foliage and trees to make ramps.

If they had been teenagers from our estate, they would have been taken before the courts and given ASBOs.

Brighton and Hove City Council must do something now before someone is killed. It should prosecute these individuals and make them pay for the damage they have caused.

-Mary Funnell, Moulsecoomb