With reference to your report on the recent coroner's inquest into the death of cyclist Ian Ward in Long Ditton, it occurs to me to wonder what item of evidence was missing that prevented the coroner from recording the proper verdict?

The facts, as presented in your paper, seemed abundantly clear.

On a clear day, on a 350m straight stretch of road, the car that killed Mr Ward was being driven in a clearly marked cycle lane which in itself is illegal.

The driver's signed statement that the cyclist was weaving about in the lane has no bearing on the matter as he was well within his rights to do so in a cycle lane.

Cars are not supposed to be there, in any case.

The point of impact near the kerb indicates that at that moment he was as far away from passing traffic as he could get.

How much more evidence did the coroner need?

This seems to be just another one of a string of cases where courts and coroner's inquests are biased in favour of motorists to the extent that the life of a cyclist is worth no more than a few penalty points and a small fine.

Finally, isn't it long past the time that this ridiculous right to remain silent enshrined in our law was amended.

JOHN KING Kings Chase East Molesey