Letter: The right path to improved transport

Sir: Bamber Gascoigne (Letters, 4 January) lives near the busiest section of the Thames path at Richmond. Here there will indeed be times when cyclists should walk and sections where a separate cycling path set back from the riverside would be most desirable. But elsewhere long lengths of isolated path, particularly downstream from Greenwich, are hostile to pedestrians and the presence of cyclists would be a welcome security.

The pedestrian is also faced by frequent breaks in the route and we hope that our proposals for a cycling route from Hampton Court to Dartford will bring forward high- quality links needed by both of us.

This Heart of London Cycle Route seeks to put forward positive ways of encouraging this most environmentally benign form of transport, which is crucial for our individual health and the future of sustainable transport policies.

Yours faithfully,

JOHN GRIMSHAW

Director

Sustrans (Railway Path

and Cycle Route

Construction Charity)

Bristol