AFTER the most miserable April ever, spring suddenly arrived and for once the sun coincided with the weekend.

Husband had been looking forward to the airshow at North Weald for weeks, and so when he saw the glorious weather, trundled his trusty push-bike from the shed and packed a picnic.

I waved him off down Commonside Road, calling Enjoy yourself have a good time!

It should have been a great day, with healthy exercise, lungs filled with fresh air (well, as fresh as you can get on Harlows roads), and the ability to escape the worst of the traffic jams. An hour later he was back. Just as hed passed Harlow Garden Centre a motorist turned across his path without bothering to check for traffic or cyclists and though he slammed on his brakes, he still hit the car.

Luckily, hes okay, but his treasured bike is a write-off. The (lady) motorists comment? You must have been going too fast.

Another cyclist witnessed the whole thing and spoke in his defence and while the fracas was taking place, other drivers complained that the road was blocked and they couldnt get past. It didnt seem to worry them that a man had been knocked from his bike.

Please, when youre driving, keep a look-out for cyclists. I know that Harlow has an excellent system of cycle-tracks but they dont link up or go everywhere, which means many roads still need to be used.

Cycling is, or should be, a pleasurable form of exercise, yet sadly many of us whod love to ride wont take the risk.

As both motorist and cyclist, my husband is aware of the dangers, and the vulnerability of cyclists. No doubt after his accident hell be doubly sure to keep his eyes peeled.

But cyclists must do their bit, too, by making sure they wear bright or light-coloured clothing, especially at night, and remembering that traffic rules arent just for motorists.

Several times recently Ive seen bike riders weaving across lines of traffic without looking, jumping lights and even riding no hands.

Only a few months ago, in this column, I mentioned a crazy youth near Bush Fair whose stupid cycling antics caused a near-accident. Roads are dangerous, and all road users must take constant care.

And if youre a cyclist, buy a safety-helmet. Now!

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.