FIVE HUNDRED cyclists injured in Hampshire is 500 too many.

Everyone needs to take responsibility for their actions on the road.

At the moment the figures and studies show that people are neglecting their responsibilities.

Mobile phone use at the wheel is up. Speeding is up. And yes, in areas riding a bike unlit still happens. All of this is illegal yet people still do it.

It takes ALL of us to co-operate and make sure that our actions do not impose a risk upon others.

If you drive too close to a cyclist, ride unlit, on pavements, don’t take the time to look at junctions, speed or use a mobile then you are part of the problem.

ALL of this means an increase in insurance premiums, ALL of this means an increase of cost to the NHS and the taxpayers who have to pick up the tab.

In 2011 the Department for Transport analysed the data between cycle-motor vehicle collisions and found that only about a third were the fault of the cyclist. More needs to be done by both the police and the road users for these numbers to reduce!

Lastly – fellow cyclists (and even some drivers who want to experience, understand or make the switch) – take part in the cycle training schemes the council and local campaigns run. Even for experienced riders there is always something to learn or tweak.

DJ Cook, Sholing, Southampton.