Anyone would think that Southampton was the only city putting in cycle lanes, judging by the letters page.

This is actually government funded and happening all over England.

The offer of a £50 voucher to repair old bikes is a brilliant idea and part of a massive push to get people fitter and reduce the number of car journeys they might make.

Even the use of electric scooters which are widely available in Europe, is to be encouraged.

These were first produced last century, so it's hard to understand why there has been so much resistance to them in the UK.

Observing cars from the roadside, it is easy to see that most have just a driver and no passengers, so this begs the question why most are built with seating for five people.

Why are there no single seat cars which would reduce congestion and emissions?

Regarding public consultation on cycle lanes, this did happen for The Avenue and more specifically the Lovers Walk shared path, just prior to lockdown.

Presumably the council were instructed to put in the road cycle lanes while vehicle numbers were low, before implementing shared paths.

However, even cyclists like me, raised some concern about the narrowing of The Avenue, particularly as we questioned the number of people who would want to cycle in that direction, as opposed to going across The Common or along Lovers Walk to the University.

The missing link which still hasn't happened, is the path between Winn and Westwood Roads on Common land, which is not fit for purpose and becomes a quagmire in the winter.

The Avenue cycle lane ends at Winn Rd, a junction which has seen a number of serious accidents, so it is vital that the council put in the proposed paved cycle and footpath from this point towards Westwood Road, before students return and cycle numbers increase again in the autumn.

Cara Sandys

Portswood