ALEC Samuels is right to say that the signage for cyclists on the path along the river between Woodmill and Mansbridge is unclear (Letters, May 16) .

There is a small No Cycling sign painted on the ground at the Woodmill end of the path but the signs further along the path are so worn as to be unrecognisable.

Those cycling from Mansbridge will not see any signs.

Half-way along the path bollards have been erected with signs indicating that cyclists should turn left if they wish to follow the National Cycle Network route, but there are no signs prohibiting them from continuing towards Woodmill.

Perhaps Mr Samuels could enlighten residents as to the council’s reason for erecting the bollards and how much it cost.

Previously cyclists used the path running diagonally across the grass from River Walk to Mansbridge and started to use the riverside path when this was closed. Again, it would be interesting to know just how much this has cost taxpayers.

Southampton Cycling Campaign would have preferred the path to have been widened when the NCN route was installed to allow a designated cycle section as there is in the southern part of the park.

A Sustrans representative has informed me that paths alongside rivers and canals with higher numbers of users operate satisfactorily with mutual shared respect by walkers and cyclists.

Some of these paths are narrower than the space available alongside River Itchen.

I have every sympathy for Mr Samuels’ friend who was knocked over and injured by the reckless behaviour of a cyclist.

However, reckless behaviour is not limited to cyclists.

I was myself badly injured after a fall from my bicycle as a result of a pedestrian running into me.

Until the situation in Riverside Park (north) is clarified, I would urge cyclists using the path to give pedestrians priority.

LINDSI BLUEMEL, Southampton.