SIR - I was surprised to read the heated reaction to my modest thoughts on motorbikes - it's amazing how an endangered species responds when provoked.

One even claimed bikes are "reasonably fuel efficient, safe, very social and stable". For something which consumes double the fuel per passenger mile, is responsible for disproportionate numbers of deaths, only "social" for up to two people, and is so "stable" it falls over if you stop - need I say more ?

I applaud every pound bikers raise for the Air Ambulance and their blood donations, albeit perhaps enlightened self-interest. After all, who's most likely to need scraping off the A65 on a Sunday morning? Ask the North Yorkshire Police.

Some of my closest friends are ardent bikers and I hope they live long enough to continue their enjoyment, but it doesn't change the facts. Motorbikes had a function for over 50 years as affordable transport for the masses. In the 21st century, enjoy your historic hobby safely, but don't try to tell me they're "reasonably fuel efficient, safe, very social and stable" - I might fall out of my fuel-efficient, safe, very social and stable car laughing.

Graham Hoyle, Kirkbourne Grove, Baildon