Letter: Why are we scared of bicycles and not cars?

I ask as it seems as if the motor vehicles v bicycles v pedestrians argument is overlooking the difference between perception and reality.

The perceived threat to pedestrians from cars is low because they are kept separated whereas the danger is high - if you're hit by a car you can be very badly injured or even killed.

The perceived threat to pedestrians from cycles is high because bikes are quiet and their riders break traffic rules but the danger is low - if you're hit by a bike, you'll survive with minor injuries.

Both the perceived threat and the danger to cars from pedestrians and cyclists is low because they might just damage the car if they're hit hard enough.

Finally, both the perceived threat and the danger to cyclists from cars is high because cars can trash bikes and are sometimes driven by people who seem to want to.

In short, pedestrians' fear of cyclists is misplaced.

All we need to do now is persuade Brighton and Hove City Council to slow and reduce motor vehicle traffic wherever it overlaps with cyclists and pedestrians.

In the meantime, I'd like to see those accident statistics and maybe teach my fellow pedestrians that we should fear cars more than bikes.

-Harry Puckering, Brighton