This morning, as I walked to Colbury church, I must have been passed by at least 40 cyclists who were using the shared walking and cycling path that runs alongside the A35 from Totton to Ashurst.

Whenever I post an item about cycling it seems to ignite a knee jerk reaction from a very small minority of motorists who never have any issues with £ billions spent on roads, but resent any safe, off road, provision for walking and cycling.

I very much welcome advances made in provision for cyclists. It’s a healthy and non polluting way to travel. Politicians should be supporting such schemes.

The only grumble I have is the odd cyclist that approaches from behind, giving no advance warning, (most bikes don’t have bells) and scare the living daylights out of you as they brush past, virtually touching your arm, travelling at up to 30 miles an hour.

I don’t think they appreciate how dangerous it is, especially if the victim is elderly, sometimes a little hard of hearing and a possessor of fragile bones.

It is respectful of others to give a shout out and perhaps slow down when you pass pedestrians who may not have seen or heard you. It could also avoid a very nasty accident.