It will come as no surprise to anyone living in Oxford, to learn of the high number of cyclists stopped by police breaking the rules on Cornmarket and Queen Street.

The sight of cyclists openly flouting the rules around our city is a common one.

The major reason is probably one of convenience.

It is quicker to ride than to walk, and inconvenient to dismount and mount.

But the rules are there for a reason - and accidents do happen, occasionally leaving people badly hurt.

We are all accustomed to the sight of lunatics on two wheels, darting in and out of traffic, weaving between pedestrians, and cycling at night with no lights.

It is a fact that reckless cyclists give all cyclists - the majority of whom are law-abiding and considerate - a bad name.

Slapping a random sample of errant cyclists with £30 fines does seem harsh, but if it prevents accidents - such as the one involving pensioner Joyce Read, who suffered a broken hip after being struck by a hit and run cyclist in Cornmarket - then the exercise will have been worthwhile.

As vulnerable road users themselves, frequently the victim of thoughtless or aggressive motorists, cyclists should know better.

Let's hope the example made of those collared yesterday reminds others to be more considerate themselves.