I am replying to the letter from J Martin, who believes that cycling is "a most impractical form of travel".

This morning I cycled from Shirley to the Sainsbury’s and Waitrose supermarkets in Portswood.

My total time door to door (including locking and unlocking the bike and loading shopping) was just over 30 minutes.

Beat that using the car.

As regards "Lycra", I was wearing a scarf, woolly gloves and an old anorak.

And, rather than being young and fit, I am 80 years old.

Finally, to answer another of your correspondents, I always use well-designed cycle lanes, but avoid those that are dangerous or inconvenient (for instance, those interrupted by side entrances or shared with dogs).

J. Heath

Shirley, Southampton