SIR - In reply to Graham Hoyle of Baildon (T&A, September 12) who asks "what are motorbikes all about?", the only valid point he makes is that it was probably the only affordable mode of transport for the working class man. The rest of his comments leave much to be desired!

He says the world has moved on and motorbikes remain dirty, noisy, unsafe, unstable, anti-social and inefficient.

Perhaps he is referring to the drop-outs' who think they are above the law, who ride around on unlicensed, uninsured, untaxed, unsafe motorcycles without any self protection or regard for the general public's safety.

Genuine bikers do not act this way.

He also says there is no need for the "leather fetish". It is common sense and common practice for bikers to wear this type of protective clothing for obvious reasons.

His idea of "new limitations" for a maximum speed of 25mph is ridiculous. What about boy/girl racers' in their high powered tin boxes'? Is it one rule for them and another for us?

As for a maximum of 25 decibels, most car drivers have enough difficulty seeing us let alone hearing us, so forget about lowering the decibels. And as for the 25-year age limit, how many young' bikers can afford insurance on a motorcycle?

Mr Hoyle, our roads would be quieter and safer if everybody was made to ride a motorcycle before getting in a car.

Mrs S Harrison, Albert Avenue, Idle, Bradford