An article (On page 14, Echo Thursday September 6) warned about the large number of bicycle thefts in Weymouth & Portland: Twelve in one week. The Echo of September 8 an article (on page 11) reports a decline in the number of people cycling in Dorset. (Although the figures given are extrapolated from a survey of less than 0.35% of an estimated population of 800,000). Could this apparent drop in cycling activity have anything to do with the large number of bikes being stolen? Could there be any truth in the rumour that Bristol bike thieves come down to Weymouth on the train, steal good bikes then take them back on the train, to be quickly sold on for the price of a day out?

On a lighter note. A year ago my ancient protesting knees heaved a sigh of relief when I traded in my standard model bike for a battery version. Now a trip to Dorchester or Portland Bill, taking full advantage of any cycle lanes, is a doddle.

However, once the myopic Luddites on the planning committee are finally routed, and the Weymouth bypass (Jurassic Highway) is at last constructed, could a wider cycle lane across the causeway be considered?

The bypass will allow Portland Harbour to reach its full potential. This along with the Eden Project-style Jurassica and hundreds of new homes on the island , will bring a large increase in traffic.

When a huge container lorry, travelling at the legal speed limit, passes an old man wobbling along on his bike less than a metre away, the vortex created can knock him over.

And yes, at the oft times the lorry (or bus) vortex combines with a strong crosswind, I do dismount and use my “push assist” button to traverse the narrowest section of the causeway cycle path.

Rodney Best

Doncaster Road

Weymouth