Young people can't be overlooked in Heath cycling debate

Concerning more cycle paths on the Heath, the interests of parents and young children should not be overlooked. 1. The existing shared paths are dangerous for toddlers, and parents need to be constantly on their guard. Toddlers move erratically. They can

Concerning more cycle paths on the Heath, the interests of parents and young children should not be overlooked.

1. The existing shared paths are dangerous for toddlers, and parents need to be constantly on their guard. Toddlers move erratically. They cannot judge speed, nor hear cycles approaching from behind, as often their parents cannot either. Even a slow cyclist can do damage to a very small child, let alone a fast one.

2. More cycle paths will make the Heath a more anxious place for parents with toddlers, and rather older children too.

At present, the Heath is a precious haven where a parent can feel pretty sure that a six- year-old letting off steam will run only a tiny risk of collision with cyclists.

But that will change with more cycle paths, meaning more cyclists travelling at speed and, I also fear, more off-piste bandits.

Urban children badly need the freedom to be let off the leash to run wild in London's next best thing to wilderness.

Patricia Morison

Downshire Hill, NW3