I WAS disappointed to read that Sarah Wilson doesn't like our award-winning cycle lanes along Orient Way. It won the Best Cycle Route in London award from the LCC because it is direct cycle path built to a high specification enabling cyclists to travel safely away from motor traffic for more than a mile.

I have checked some of the points she raised.

If she went back to Lea Bridge Road she will find that there is a subway under the road. She needs to cycle along the western side (Hackney side) rather than try to cross with the traffic on the eastern side.

Glass should be recycled and never smashed on cycle routes. Orient Way cycle routes are cleaned weekly.

At present there are not hundreds of cyclists going from Walthamstow to South Leytonstone and Stratford. Some do. It provides a very good alternative to the heavily congested Church Road/Oliver Road and links to the River Lea and canal network at Ruckholt Road.

The link at the northern and along Black Path takes cyclists along South Access Road and on to a quiet residential route to Walthamstow.

On a dark December day it may not be the most attractive route but, come the spring, cyclists will be able to enjoy the new planting we have provided and in years to come, large trees lining their route.

CLLR SALLY BUCKLEY,

Cabinet Environment Portfolio,

London Borough of Waltham Forest