I am at a complete loss to understand the reasoning behind the route of the new National Cycling Network No. 4 across Chippenham.

I always thought pedal cycles were classed as "vehicles" and that the riders were subject to all the rules of the road and traffic laws that apply to motorists.

Obviously not, for the Highways Authority has put signs along Lowden Hill and Sheldon Road allowing cyclists to ride under Lowden Bridge against the no entry signs and against the one-way traffic.

They then cross the four-way junction and cycle along the pavement outside my house, presumably because the Network signs are mounted on poles on the pavement.

Without any road markings to indicate separate cycle lanes or any signs to warn motorists that they are likely to meet contra-flow cyclists, it is not unreasonable to suppose that there will soon be a major accident.

Road users have enough to contend with in Chippenham a bus stop mounted on the traffic light pole at Malmesbury Road roundabout; parking bays along The Causeway and Park Lane where the long-since illegal yellow lines still appear within designated parking bays; poor phasing of traffic lights at The Bridge Centre frustrating pedestrians; unclear disabled signing at various points; the new and questionable calming measures near the Renault dealership; conflicting parking rules where in one car park you get an hour free while in another you don't Oh, I forgot all those potholes....

Rather than waste time tempting cyclists to break the law at Lowden Hill Bridge, the council would have better spent its time and money widening the pavement in the area to allow pedestrians to pass each other without having to step in the road.

A no entry sign on the bridge itself might assist, for motorists as well as cyclists frequently miss the two no entry signs already installed by The Lodge.

I hope the Highways Authority reads this and galvanises itself into taking the necessary corrective road safety action.

I see no point in writing to it direct for previous letters on similar points over many years were invariably unanswered or I was feebly fobbed-off.

John Friend

Chippenham