Parents aren't over-protective, cycling is dangerous! A colleague was killed cycling to work just last week. Accidents are only declining because cycling is. I won't let my kids cycle to school - or myself to work - until the council creates a network of cycle lanes, or of 10 mph side-roads, for us.

Kate J, London,

I cycle everyday in london, but it is qiuckly becoming more and more difficult, because of the police! I got a £30 fine last week for cycling 5m on a empty pavement to avoid an oncoming lorry. If the government wants to encourage people to cycle they need to stop punishing them for petty reasons!

Chris W, London,

The local Bobby checked out our bikes and gave us a proficiency test at school. He made sure that we could ride safetly and especially that the lights were working, that was in the days before the reflective strips and clothing that is available today. let them loose, you cannot lock them up forever

nick, Camberley, uk

When I was a kid I cycled to my school 6 miles away, almost the whole route on the pavement. This was at a time when many people walked. Do it nowadays and you'll git hit with an asbo despite the fact that, if kids use the road, they are likely to get hit by a 4x4.

Derek Smith, Brighton, UK

when I were a lad drivers were subject to proper policing, and as a result the roads were safer. One of the consequences of the proliferation of speed cameras, and the reduction of traffic police, is that bad driving is increasing.

alastair harris, DERBY,

I dont have any kids but if I did I dont think that I would allow them to ride to school. This is based on me cycling to work everyday. The amount of drivers who just dont see you - or bother to react if they do is - staggering.

Dave, Chesterfield, England

I think adult cyclists who are aggressive and deliberately flout road laws (eg, traffic lights!), make motorists impatient. Cyclists complain about being knocked over but they take such stupid risks - one was leaning against my car in traffic this morning, having a drink of water!

Victoria, London, UK

as a careful adult cyclist, I've been knocked off my bike three times in london over about 20 years (by idiots, naturally). as a parent, 3% sounds like a big figure to know someone who has had an accident. independence will be little consolation at a funeral.

jem, london, uk

I agree with Bill on this. I live just outside Milton Keynes and although within the city there is fabulous provision of safe off-road cycle paths, just 3 miles away we are forced to cycle on busy roads. I would love to let my son cycle to school but until there is a cycle lane I can't allow him to.

Sarah T, Newport Pagnell, UK

More proper cycle paths and bigger deterents for poor roadcraft. Drivers not indicating, cyclists going through red lights etc should face big fines and bans, not the namby pamby ruels we currently have. Britain has some of the worlds best cyclists, lets encourage and promote this healthy sport!

Norman Pitkin, London, UK

Give them the safety of proper cycle pathways, designated parts of the pavement as on the continent if necessary. I am an ex-keen cyclist who gave up regular cycling because I felt my close calls at the hands of car, lorry and bus drivers meant the risks to my health far outweighed any benefits

Bill Q, Derby,