HEALTH minister Ben Bradshaw has just revealed official figures that show that since the introduction of cycle lanes there has been an increase of almost 25 per cent in the number of cyclists injured in England, as reported in The Bolton News, “Rise in number of injured cyclists” (November 18).

Out of the 13,368 riders admitted to English hospitals in 2006/07, 9,191 were injured in incidents that did not involve another vehicle.

Does this go some way to proving that cycle lanes do not improve safety for cyclists?

On the grounds of health and safety, is it too much to ask that Bolton Council takes notice of this, or is the continued introduction and preservation of cycle lanes essential to enforcing congestion and subsequently the introduction of a congestion charge?

Can we please bring back common sense, free up the roads and let us safely go about our business.

Tony Tunnah, Horwich