I WOULD like to reply to Brian Asplin s column on Friday, July 20. It is good to know the Think Bike signs are working. The Think campaign is a road safety initiative aimed at all road users, there are many other messages as well as the Think Bike o

I WOULD like to reply to Brian Asplin's column on Friday, July 20. It is good to know the 'Think Bike' signs are working.

The 'Think' campaign is a road safety initiative aimed at all road users, there are many other messages as well as the 'Think Bike' one that Brian refers to.

Some of the messages are indeed aimed at motorcyclists, including one relating to overtaking. The possible reason that Brian has noticed the 'Think Bike' sign more than the others is that the Government has tasked county councils with reducing the number of motorcycle casualties. Motorcyclists have not asked for this special treatment. The Government has recognised them as vulnerable road users. Therefore councils have signed up to the 'Think' campaign and the 'Think Bike' signs are perhaps more prolific than others in our area.

As Brian points out drivers should be thinking when driving, but how many drivers do we see otherwise occupied in their cars while travelling?

When on a motorcycle the rider does have to think and remain alert, more so than when driving a car, even when overtaking. There are also fewer distractions when riding a motorcycle, this includes things like radios and heating/air conditioning controls.

While I agree that not every motorcyclist rides according to the highway code, I don't think it is fair to tar all of us with the same brush.

Just as with other groups of road users there are those who behave and a minority who do not.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to Brian and anyone else interested to come and join us at The Rose & Crown, March, every first and third Monday of the month, from 8:30pm. Motorcyclists are in general a friendly bunch of law-abiding citizens.

SELINA LAVENDER

East Anglia regional representative

Motorcycle Action Group

Manea

- I AM a car driver and not a biker, but about a fortnight ago I was driving along Dartford Road, March, with my granddaughter and there was a biker in the line of traffic behind us.

I must say he was such a careful and considerate rider that my granddaughter noted his number - AE06 HPZ.

If he reads this, congratulations to him. It just shows you can't tar all bikers with the same inconsiderate brush.

A P HINDLE

Elm Road

March