I am surprised that the Bridport News would publish Mr Jones’ letter, which is blatant ageist discrimination!

So, I will respond with example rather than hypothesis! On Saturday, I was presented with four cyclists in their late 60s racing towards me, in the middle of the road, on a blind bend, riding at speed. How appropriate Mr Jones that you raise the subject of illegality; racing on roads is illegal, the vehicle is irrelevant as is the age of the offender. You ‘suspect’ that many are driving illegally, can you substantiate that claim?

The DVLA contacts everyone 90 days before the driving licence is up for renewal. As with any law, it is the individual that takes responsibility and therefore not an age-related issue.

Wholesale ageism should not enter the arena, however a recent study by the AA shows that the most accident-prone age group by a substantial margin is young men who are four times more likely to have an accident than a 70-year-old.

This blanket censure is just an ageist rant and is unacceptable in today’s society.

The Government are looking into introducing the offence of ‘dangerous cycling’ because as a recent study shows that males in the age range of 40-60 are considered likely to ride recklessly to cause serious injury or death to other road users.

KAREN BROAD

Burton Bradstock