Sir, - Garry Clarke (September 5th) wastes no time in dismissing the forthcoming Car-Free Day (and all alternatives to driving) and believes that its proponents should "get a grip on reality".
Unfortunately, the reality is that the finest parts of our capital are dominated by noisy, fume-belching vehicles which threaten the comfort, health and lives of strollers and cyclists. Prime examples are College Green, Christ Church Place, O'Connell Street or Parnell Square.
Even without a perfect public transport system, this simply should not be the case. These areas should and could be wonderful, safe civic spaces. Just look at Grafton Street, Henry Street or Temple Bar. No-one believes that making them pedestrian-friendly brought the city to the brink of interminable chaos.
The Car-Free Day can give everyone a taste of what a city not dominated by cars can be like, and remind us that roads are not just for cars. It's time for pedestrians and cyclists to reclaim the streets and enjoy the city's open spaces and fine architecture unthreatened.
The Dublin Cycling Campaign calls on everyone to celebrate the day in Dublin by bringing in their bikes, and picnicking in places where one would usually need to be clad in at least a tonne of metal to feel safe. See you all on September 22nd. - Yours, etc.,
Damien O Tuama, Chairperson, Dublin Cycling Campaign, Windy Arbour, Dublin 14.