I would like to reply to Councillor Ken Norman and defend my fellow cyclists over the Highway Code (Letters, October 25).

Firstly, I would agree that the number of cyclists I see riding without lights is quite staggering, as Mr Norman points out under Rule 60.

There is no excuse – lights are now of a good quality with bright beams and are quite cheap.

For your own safety, buy some – it will pay you in the long run and it’s cheaper than a fine.

I insist that both my sons use lights on their bikes.

As for cycle lanes, mentioned in rules 62 and 63, some of them are woefully inadequate and some motorists don’t respect them.

With respect, may I suggest Mr Norman takes a trip to Holland and Belgium? There he will see the fine job our European neighbours are doing.

Cyclists there have their own signals. In Holland, cyclists have a right-of-way rule.

Mr Norman highlights rule 64, which says cyclists mustn’t ride on the pavement.

As a pedestrian, I often walk my dog. Once while on the pavement, I was not aware of a cyclist approaching from behind in the dark. Had I stepped to one side there would have been a collision, resulting in injuries to the cyclist and myself. And he had no lights.

However some people do ride on the pavement, the reason being the roads are too dangerous. That takes us back to the motorist, I hear you say.

Finally, he mentions rules relating to traffic signals (69 and 71) – yes, I have seen cyclists running red lights. I, and other cyclists, stop and wait as I’m aware of the dangers for my own safety.

Graham Tooley, Mill Pond Way, East Preston

There are a wider range of extracts in the Highway Code which don’t just focus on people who ride bicycles.

As a regular pedestrian, for example, I’m particularly partial to rule 170, which requires drivers to watch out for pedestrians crossing a road into which they are turning. If pedestrians have started to cross, they have priority, so give way.

As a regular cyclist, I like rule 243, which says, “Do not stop or park ... where you would obstruct cyclists’ use of cycle facilities,” and rule 140: “Do not drive or park in a cycle lane.”

But I’m especially fond of rule 124, which says, “You MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road.” The words “MUSTNOT” appear in capitals to stress this as something required by law, not just guidance. Drivers are required to obey or they will be committing a criminal offence.

With 20mph limits set to become a reality across Brighton and Hove, as a regular driver I am very much looking forward to all motorists observing Rule 124.

If people expect people riding bicycles to observe the Highway Code, drivers should commit to observing it, too.

Chris Murgatroyd, York Avenue, Hove