I, like many pedestrians, am fed up with having to dodge thoughtless cyclists while walking on the pavement or crossing the road.

Last Sunday I saw an elderly couple nearly run down by cyclists on King’s Esplanade in Hove, and when the gentleman protested all he got was a two-fingered salute and a mouthful of verbal abuse.

Cycling on the footway (pavement) is an offence under Section 72 of the Highways Act 1835 as amended by Section 85 (1) of the Local Government Act 1888.

The enforcement of cycling offences is an operational matter for local police forces.

The police use the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £30, which provides them with a direct means of dealing with most minor offences. The Road Traffic Act 1991 makes the two most serious cycling offences parallel to those of dangerous and careless driving.

The maximum fines are currently £2,500 for dangerous cycling and £1,000 for careless cycling.

Illegal cycling on footways causes much concern, particularly to our most vulnerable road users, such as elderly, disabled and visually impaired people.

There is no excuse for cyclists who break this or other road traffic laws, such as going through red lights.

At night cyclists must have white front and red rear lights.

Their bike must also be fitted with a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors (if manufactured after October 1, 1985). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen.

Flashing lights are permitted, but it’s recommended that cyclists who ride in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.

Ray Farrow, Kingsway, Hove