With reference to The Times’ editorial Stress On More Responsible Social Behaviour (June 6), one way to help this may be to put policemen on bicycles. This modern form of policing can be seen in many other civilised European cities and in the United States. These cities have found that the “bobby on a bike” is closer to the community than one in a car.

From rain-soaked London to the sweltering heat of Miami, weather doesn’t really make a difference. Bicycles are not used to chase cars, but to quickly and effectively police social behaviour incidents, theft, muggings and other incidents traditionally managed by foot patrols. But! Bicycle police patrols can access areas and incidents quicker than a foot patrol. They can also run down criminals far more efficiently, a deterrent in itself.

Importantly for the editorial’s subject matter, they also cover a greater area and are therefore a more visible and therefore better deterrent to antisocial behaviour. It’s also kinder to our police force, who do a lot of great and often undervalued work, as it’s a lot easier than walking a beat.