20 SEPTEMBER 1935, Page 19

TRACKS FOR CYCLISTS [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] Sin,—Your

contributor Janus " appears to miss the point in his remarks last week on the attitude of cyclists' organisa- tions to the provisiori of special tracks, Obviously cyclists will ' use good tracks, if provided, as pedestrians use good footpaths ; but the contention is that the provision of 'tracks to any substantial extent is impracticable and is no real solution to the problem. Even if roads could be confined to motor traffic they would not be safe for the users until the selfish, incompetent,. thoughtless or otherwise dangerous driver was eliminated, and this elimination would render segregation unnecessary. The money which might be spent on providing cycle tracks where possible (even footpaths cannot be pro- vided on many of our roads, and tracks could not be made in ' towns) would bring far more benefit to all members of the community if used in serious measures. to check bad and dis- courteous behaviour on the roads, which, I believe, was the original and admirable purpose of the mobile police. Several years' experience as a motorist have led me to the conviction

that many accidents are caused by lack of imagination and by putting speed before safety and courtesy. The problem of road safety would be largely solved by strict observance of the principle that the user of a dangerous weapon in public has the onus of avoiding injury to others by its use.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully,

ROY GHEURY DE BRAY

40 Westmount Road, Eltham,