I WAS recently driving along one of the many small lanes near Okehampton when at a particular narrow right hand bend I met a motorcyclist coming the opposite way. The lane at this point was very narrow, single lane with steep banked hedge on both sides.

I stopped with the intention of reversing to allow the bike to pass but the motorcyclist decided to push past whereupon he stopped and hurled a lot of verbal abuse, telling me to keep to my side of the road.

This was somewhat of a surprise as I had crept round the corner brushing up to the left hand hedge in the anticipation that a vehicle might be coming in the opposite direction.

I got out of the vehicle to explain and show the man that my car was actually touching the hedge but he just continued his tirade and with a few more four-letter word expletives rode off.

I have noticed over the last few years that Okehampton seems to suffer from a few inconsiderate motorcyclists. A few weeks ago I was overtaken by a motorbike as I turned right at the 'T' junction lights next to the police station. The bike only avoided the traffic light pole by me pulling over to the left to let him through.

And several times I've seen bikes overtake a line of vehicles to get to the front of the queue at traffic lights where there isn't a designated area.

I've also seen motorcycles ride straight over the roundabout on Market Street, causing cars to brake to avoid them.

I'm beginning to wonder if the traffic laws are different for motorcycles — or is it just me?

Have any other residents experienced similar incidents? I'd be interested to know. I know the majority of motorcyclists are exemplary riders and are courteous and understanding to other road users.

It's a shame that a few 'bad apples' may tarnish their reputation.

Paul Vachon

Okehampton