Correspondents to the editor of The Courier turn their attention to motorcycling and road safety, the St George Cross, an astronomical claim, and Eastern faiths.
Try motorcycling for safety perspective Sir,- I am writing with regard to William Robertson’s assertion (July 7) that motorcyclists can cut the road accident toll.
Mr Robertson is obviously not a motorcyclist. He has a problem with motorcyclists riding down gaps in traffic but this is actually a perfectly legal manoeuvre.
I would suggest anyone doing it is well aware that the majority of car drivers are so cocooned in their metal cages.
Overtaking in a follow your leader-type movement is also perfectly legal.
When riding in a group among cars, if the front biker sees a space for overtaking, then it stands to reason the next biker might also see a gap.
We are all responsible for our own safety. My own roadcraft is superior on my bike compared to my car and my bike’s acceleration and braking capabilities are superior to my car’s.
I will concede that a minority of bikers do not do us any favours by reckless riding but better observation and driving skills by the average car driver will also cut accidents.
If bikes making progress when he is stuck in traffic in his car is a problem for Mr Robertson, I suggest he tries biking. It will also improve his observation skills when he gets back in a car.
Duncan Beveridge.Warwick Close,Leuchars.
Bikers sticking to Highway Code
Sir,-While I do not seek to defend the behaviour of irresponsible motorcyclists, your correspondent William Robertson should be aware that what he describes as “sneaking through small gaps between lanes of stationary traffic” is correctly referred to as filtering and is entirely legal.
If Mr Robertson wishes confirmation of this, he should refer to Rule 88 of the 2007 Highway Code.
(Dr) David B. Griffiths.41 Haston Crescent, Perth.
Sort out Perth crash blackspot
Sir,-Further to your report and picture (July 7) about yet another lorry overturning at the Broxden roundabout, Perth, I feel that this situation is becoming a farce.
Why don’t the road authorities, in the first instance, put up signs warning of a risk of overturning? It is not rocket science.
And, if they get some spare funds, sort out the road once and for all. The cost of each lorry overturning will be enormous.
David Brown.Ruthvenfield,Perth.
Has width of cross increased?
Sir,-Perhaps someone who is informed on the matter of flags can help me?
We see the St George Cross displayed everywhere, most recently at the World Cup.
Yet the red of the St George Cross is double the width compared to its normal width on the Union Flag, which adorns the coffins of the war dead from Afghanistan. Why is that?
I imagine there are written protocols on flags which describe exactly the widths and dimensions of the component parts of the Union Flag.
Perhaps someone can explain why the St George Cross is at least double the width of its usual dimensions on the Union Flag?
Jim McGugan.7 The Square,Letham.
Lorraine’s out of this world
Sir,-I was intrigued to read in Jack McKeown’s article in The Courier’s new C2 supplement (July 6) that Lorraine Kelly has spent a “half a decade on Planet Earth”. This raises the question of where she might have spent the other 45 years.
I am aware of Lorraine’s keen interest in astronomy. Perhaps this explains it?
(Dr) Bill Samson.88 Grove Road,Broughty Ferry.
Moderating Western faith
Sir,-When studying for the Christian ministry at Edinburgh University, I was struck by the science-friendly way most Hindu and Buddhist theologians framed their traditions.
Emphasising the experiential dimension of spirituality, with its demonstrable influence on individual lives, they presented their teachings as a science of consciousness.
Most had clearly studied both their own traditions and the Western Canon. They also showed respect for science and were in dialogue with Western scientists.
Their ancient philosophies certainly influenced physicists such as Kelvin and Helmholtz early in the modern era and later Schrodinger, Heisenberg and Robert Oppenheimer.
The faith-based claims of Western religions too often clash unnecessarily with empirical science and they would do well to show some Eastern caution and moderation.
(Dr) John Cameron.10 Howard Place,St Andrews.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.