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Asking for trouble

The stupid anti-social activities of the gang of teenage cyclists who created mayhem and hazards on busy town centre roads is symbolic of a persistent problem (Menaces on two wheels, SA September 10). The high number of those involved in this incident may be unusual but this type of reckless behaviour isn’t.

The offences committed were said to include cyclists riding through red lights and riding directly at cars. A photograph accompanying this report shows clearly a cyclist doing a wheelie in front of a vehicle on a main road. A statement from Wiltshire police said, “It’s not clear if a criminal offence was committed. If evidence is brought to our attention then we will continue to investigate the matter.”

I do not claim to have any legal expertise but common sense seems to tell me that riding a bicycle on one wheel, in front of a motorised vehicle on a main public highway is asking for trouble. I have seen this stunt go wrong when performed by one of the local Wroughton village idiots. This moron managed to misjudge what he was doing and fell flat on his back in the middle of the road. Fortunately for him, there were no vehicles travelling along the road at the time. However, unperturbed by his own stupidity he got back on his bike and rode off. I next saw him, a few minutes later, performing the same stunt along frontage of the Ellendune shopping parade.

Certain laws exist to protect some people from their own stupidity but even more importantly they are there to protect innocent members of the public.

Cyclists are not required to have any insurance nor are they required to pass a test. It is an everyday occurrence to see them ignoring and breaking Highway Code rules. The offenders include all age groups with adults often setting a bad example for our younger citizens.

It seems to me that for the sake of public safety and to improve our quality of life, the authorities should be doing much more to control the bad behaviour of rogue cyclists.

K Kane, Wharf Road, Wroughton

Missed opportunity?

In the article on the ‘Snoasis’ scheme (SA, Sept 12th), John Watkins of Severn Capital is quoted as saying “we have worked incredibly hard to design a scheme that would both excite and enhance Swindon and draw people from all over the region and beyond”.

What a crying shame, then, that they have completely ignored the possibility of having a waterfront presence along the south western boundary of the site, where the protected line of the canal runs. If the development is to have, as described, restaurants, shops and coffee shops, why not have them opening out onto a waterside promenade? Have the developers never been to the NEC in Birmingham and seen just what can be done, to the benefit of all?

Apart from that, their plans intrudes on the canal’s line so much that there won’t be enough room to actually build it. Thankfully, Swindon Borough Council has a policy (EN11) in place that ensures that no development should be allowed that prejudices the delivery of the canal. The Canal Trust has objected, citing this policy.

Apart from that, I personally think it’s a great scheme, that would once again make Swindon a ‘go to’ destination, as it was when the Oasis first opened in the 1970s. So let’s work together to make this a ‘win-win’ situation!

Chris Barry, The Bramptons, Swindon