Sir, - In the Energy supplement with The Irish Times (September 19th), John Lattimore tells that the bicycle is the most energy-efficient form of transport. He then dismisses its merits in one sentence: "Obviously, cycling is not a viable option for a great many people on grounds of health, or not wanting to arrive at business meetings sopping wet, or simply because they just can't be bothered."
The first excuse means either it's not healthy to ride a bike, or that if you're not fit to ride one, it's OK to drive a car. The second excuse is pathetic. On a bike, you arrive on time, whereas many motorists still expect "the traffic" to be an acceptable excuse for their lateness at meetings. The final excuse will suffice, as one excuse always should: most people just can't be bothered, and it is their indifference that costs us £1.5 billion a year in health, environmental and economic damage. - Yours, etc., Mike Norris,
Cabinteely Green,
Dublin 18.