I regularly cycle along the seafront early in the morning between 6.30 and 7 for exercise. At this time in the morning there are joggers and some dog walkers. I do not cycle very fast I do not wear an MP3 player impairing my hearing and give due care and attention to other users on the esplanade. At this time of day it is safe for both myself and other users.

When I cycle during the day, usually at weekends, I use the cycle path, often with my nine-year-old son, but pedestrians make using the path dangerous both for themselves and cyclists.

The worst section is from the Palace Pier to the children’s playground and mini golf course where day trippers and foreign students walk down the middle of the path. I have also seen locals, sometimes with small children, on other stretches of the route.

I have seen people on foot see bikes coming towards them but continuing to walk in the cycle lane. I need to keep my wits about me, slow down or stop frequently and use my bell to warn people I am behind them.

Can’t the police move people or the council have a warden and/or better signposts in different languages?

I have seen cyclists having to go on to the pavement to avoid people, which is much more likely to cause an accident. My favourite sight was near the volleyball court where the path goes back on to the road.

The route was blocked by a car which I assume was trying to get into a parking space.

I would be interested to hear what other cyclists think of what I jokingly call the lemmings in the cycle lane. It would be great to cycle on the road but I do not feel it is safe enough. Where there are cycle paths they are narrow and can be obscured by parked cars, Dyke Road being a good example.

Sara George-Sturmey
St Margarets Place, Brighton