30 AUGUST 2003, Page 26

Ride on

From Patrick Longford Sir: I read with wry amusement the article by Boris Johnson on the vicissitudes endured by the bicyclists from motorists, for they are a mirror image of the vicissitudes endured by pedestrians ('Two wheels good, four wheels bad', 16 August).

I cannot remember a time when walking the length of Hammersmith Road and Kensington High Street I have not been passed by cyclists on the pavement. If advised that this is an offence, the mildest form of abuse is 'Get yourself a life' or 'Lighten up, mate'.

I suggest Boris Johnson imitates their behaviour and takes to the pavements, for no one in authority will bother him. He will not have to worry even about going through red lights. As a gesture, he could perhaps donate his crash helmet to a terrified pedestrian.

Patrick Longford

London W14