Letter: Complete segregation would be the answer

From the time that you learn to ride a pedal cycle, the balancing act doesn't stop there. At some point in time guardians have to mentally balance situations to trust not only the rider but those unknown to them who will be sharing the same road space in their cars and vehicles.

Complete segregation would be the answer, even if just for selected places, in an ideal world. To date, slow progressive attempts in our old congested city are a fairly good start. However, I have to respectfully take issue with the article in The Star several weeks ago in which there was a very imposing artistic impression of double cycle lanes proposed for Holme Lane. Such a development would remove valued roadside parking areas and would not be viable. The two smart lanes would offer very little benefit to cyclists' progress on their whole route unless roadside buildings near Rivelin Valley Road and Hillsborough Corner were removed.

To enable Supertram to serve Malin Bridge, shops and flatlets were demolished at HillsboroughCorner and likewise the popular Studio 7 to join the Parkway to Penistone Road, via the Wicker.

Who knows, in time the day may come when either through a rise in accident numbers or cyclist numbers, schemes to help cycling safety and continuity may become more essential and viable.

The things that help maintain enjoyment for cyclists include continuity and the comfortable management of gradients. The excessive number of cars may continue to be the principal reason for slowing down able cyclists, but the gradients of Sheffield's notorious hills will no longer be a disincentive as e-bike numbers multiply.

Should the total number of all types of bicycle riders even approach those of Supertram passengers, perhaps serious changes to further help cycling in the city will be forthcoming because of political pressure.

Perhaps then second family cars may become unnecessary, front gardens could start being reinvented, pavements will be back to normal, town speed limits finally controlled in a clean environment, and dreams may come true.