Letters

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Dear Editor

I'd like to suggest that the University sets up a web cam pointing at the roundabout at the campus exit, so that we may note the number plates of all the selfish persons - I have refrained from using a more frank and forceful description - who consistently use the 'left turn only' lane to go straight across the roundabout. Enough is enough. Name and shame, I say!

Andy Clews
Computing Service

Dear Editor

I have just read your article 'The ride idea for the South Downs' in the Bulletin of 3 November.

I do not doubt that Roger Simmons has letters from cyclists complaining about the dangers of cycling on the B2123; it is a very risky route. I have been cycling up and down this hill on a daily basis for about ten years now and have often thought that a separate cycle lane would be a great idea.

However, providing a gravel-surfaced cycle path is, in my opinion, not a suitable solution. A gravel path is a reasonable surface on flat, well-drained ground. On the Falmer Road, however, the ground on either side turns into a free-running bog/stream during the wetter months and mud slides are not uncommon.

When a path of this nature gets wet it is unusable, as the gravel mixes into the ground to create a sort of wet, concrete-like gloop. Therefore during the darker, wetter months (when we most need a separate route), this one will not be available.

Andrew Gattiker says that "gravel is cheaper and suitable for all but a very few bikes". By this he means road bikes - we who use this route tend to be on road bikes. Yes, it is more expensive, but may I suggest that a tarmac surface be used? And as for tarmac looking a "bit urban", this is an area where we have built two universities and a bypass and now propose a football stadium - well rural!

Graham Curry (cyclist in a right strop)
Catering Admin Manager