DRIVING to catch early shopping at the big supermarkets, I have been amazed at how many young people cycle to school with dark clothes on, no lights on the bike and no helmets. They also weave in and out, on the pavement and then on the road.

It is difficult enough with roadworks and early morning light to make out all the road users without an added distraction.

Do schools not issue reminders to parents and their pupils to cycle safely ? If one child comes off then everyone's life is ruined.

Head teachers should explain the dangers in assembly and letters to parents should go home. In addition, school duty teachers who are there in the mornings should note those pupils who are driving unsafely and a special reminder should go home to their parents.

One would have thought this was obvious but it seems not so.

J Parr

Kendal