Letters: There are cyclists and then there are people on bikes

I do wish that cyclists would live by their own safety code. From what I have observed over many years it all seems to apply to their safety and not to other road, or indeed, footpath users.

My particular gripe relates to cyclists who pass through Musselburgh. Many use a footbridge near the mouth of the River Esk which provides a shortcut avoiding Musselburgh’s main thoroughfare. I sympathise with their need to avoid the heavy traffic but their lack of thought for others is obvious. At either end of the bridge are notices asking cyclists to dismount – many are not prepared to do this. What makes me angry is that these people who are supposedly very fit are too lazy to dismount and walk a few yards.

I was brought up on a bike and was a telegram boy from 1947-50. My father was a founder member of the Musselburgh Roads Cycling Club. I am not anti-cycling but my sympathy stops when they try to set themselves up as “kings and queens of the road”.

My dad had a saying: “There are cyclists and then there are people on bikes”. He meant by this that cyclists had respect for other road users, people on bikes only thought of themselves.

Cyclists, protest if you must, but please remember other users of roads, mountain paths and footpaths. Set yourselves up as the example, not the victims.

Bill Nicholson, Windsor Park, Musselburgh

Speed tram works up to save money

I echo IC Horsburgh’s remarks concerning the sickening trams project (Letters, April 28).

I too have been observing the rheumatic snail pace of the workmen, which is infuriating. In other cities, major projects continue through the night, with arc lights above and three shifts, making the work last months instead of years.

This city’s poor workmanship and overall inefficiency adds millions to the bill, paid for by the public purse.

Charles Quinn, Belhaven Terrace, Edinburgh

Blind faith isn’t enough in politics

I’m all for the rough-and-tumble of local politics, but I do agree with Andrew Burns (Letters, May 2) that Martin Hannan’s article the day before was way over the top in accusing most parties of weak policy development.

Martin will know full well that one party published a draft manifesto six months ago and actively sought feedback before finalising its proposals several months later. He’ll also know that his favoured Party did nothing of the sort.

Let’s have some credit where it’s due, instead of political blind faith.

Julie Marshall, Calder Court, Calder Gardens, Edinburgh

Cuts to blame for waiting time farce

THE cuts to the NHS in Scotland are really starting to show as we find out the waiting times figures have been fiddled.

Patients know that Mr Salmond is not delivering on health and for once even he can’t blame anyone else.

Dave Cochrane, Spottiswoode Street, Edinburgh