Leave us kings of the road in peace

I've been riding bikes for more than 20 years, starting with a beaten-up Yamaha YB100 in 1982. Ever since, I've been a fan of their freedom, speed and economy. They get you there faster, cheaper and easier than a four-wheeler.

I thought that was the point of the congestion charge: imagine my surprise when I heard Transport for London talk of charging bikers for the privilege of cutting congestion.

If even one in five car drivers switched to bikes, London's congestion would be solved. Air quality would improve - a typical 125cc scooter would give 60 miles a gallon. It seems counterproductive to consider making it cost more for these environmental ambassadors.

I'm astonished to hear TfL raised the spectre of safety - London's motorcycle accident rates are going down. There's also no good reason to keep bikes out of bus lanes. The trial allowing bikers to use bus lanes has been favourable, so far - and with less traffic in other lanes, everybody wins.

I gather the Mayor is against the charging proposal. Kill it off, Ken, once and for all: leave us two-wheeled kings of the road alone.