I was cycling on the dedicated cycle path next to the A259 between Newhaven and Seaford a few weeks ago, before lockdown restrictions were eased.

I was pleased to see plenty of people out on bikes; an eclectic assortment of lycra-clad cyclists on fast bikes, kids on balance bikes, a couple on a tandem and plenty more on Dutch-style city bikes with panniers and baskets.

There were small-wheel folding bikes and one or two electric bikes too. It was obvious that many riders were not regular

cyclists and were happy to have opportunity to improve their skills on a fine sunny afternoon.

Yesterday a group of 7 lads on bikes came past my house on the pavement.

I was pleased to see them cycling, but sad that they didn't feel safe to use the road.

I drive a car as well as ride a bike, so I have some sympathy with some views expressed by motorists in this newspaper.

But we have to reduce the amount of vehicle traffic as well as make them greener. Last year much was made of the high nitrogen dioxide levels in Brighton centre at 77.9 micrograms per cubic metre.

That's nearly twice the recommended level for human health of 40. Well this year's national Air Quality Objective survey shows the same spot is now at 90.8. Personally, I'd like to be able to shop in the city centre without being poisoned by pollution.

Other cities manage to have daytime vehicle-free centres; why can't we?

A network of planned, safe cycle routes into and around the city would allow people to come in to the centre by bike and have a far better shopping and leisure experience than having to compete with vehicles and their pollution at the same time.

When this infrastructure is in place, people will have greater confidence to assert their rights as road users on two wheels and the cycle lanes as well as the dedicated cycle paths will be busy.

Steve Waters

Saltdean