CALLS for the dualling of the A64 continue to be made, and the reason for dualling is so that traffic can move faster. Not everyone wishes to travel faster.

I came back from York today and the long stream of traffic kept at a steady 50mph. Fifty seems to be a sort of self-regulated speed which many motorists appear to settle for and, of course, is much safer than higher speeds for the simple reason that the amount of concentration required is considerably less than travelling 'break-neck' and is highly suited to everyday motoring. Pressure for dualling, in order that those who want speed can have it, is unfair, because it means that every tax payer has to contribute towards their selfish demands. What's all the rush about anyway? Will it make any improvement to people's lifestyle? More likely just the opposite!

In this vein, I was cycling back from Great Habton recently. There'd been a fair amount of rain, and there was water on the roads and hoping that I was not passing a deep pool at the same time as a motor vehicle, was foremost in my mind. But, of course, it had to happen. Several times. On a road only 9ft wide at places, everyone is fairly close to each other at times. A Yorkshire Water van and other motorists all showed consideration and slowed down when passing, which is very much appreciated by us cyclists, whether wet or dry, on such narrow roads. Yet the young woman in the red car didn't ease off one iota, as a result of which, the water she went through drenched me. She wouldn't know that of course - I don't expect she gave it a thought - yet consideration is all part of road safety. In fact, "more consideration - less accidents".

York was wonderful today. I hadn't been for a couple of months so it was a treat. St Sampson's treated me to minestrone soup and roll and apple pie, all for 90p. This old converted church is always my first port of call, as I usually reach York around lunchtime. Apart from something good to eat, there is every chance of meeting someone interesting to talk to. Today it was a lady who had been to Malton recently to a relation's wedding. I heard all about the church and the reception meal, and of her interest in things historical in our town. She, and her husband, aim to come again and spend a day here to have a good look round. I didn't mention that I came from Malton until I'd heard her comments, which is a good way of getting an unbiased opinion, after which I learned that her family came from Norton. It nearly always happens that there is some local connection with folk from York - we seem to be fairly well interwoven.

Do today's generation understand pictorial instructions better than proper English words? I expect it must be assumed that they do, for so many instructions for domestic etc, equipment comes in a pictorial way. I'm thinking of telephones when I say this, for whilst BT issues its instructions in actual words, some others do not. Step-by-step, I can understand BT, and programme memories, or whatever, but a popular phone I have defies understanding. So far I've got one number into the memory, but I can't guarantee to get at it when I need it. It seems to have a mind of its own. I'm beginning to wonder if it's a generation problem, as my son always said that his two youngsters were able to operate his video recorder long before he mastered it!

Legislation has laid to waste many of the products we grew up with for so-called 'safety' reasons. I've run out of 'Beau Cair', the spot cleaner for clothes. Throughout my life, if you wanted a mark removing from some clothing, that was what was used. I met Ian Beecham (that's a good name for a chemist) whilst in town the other day, and asked him if he had any information on the product, as I'd been 'chasing' it for some time. No he hadn't but he promised to find out and let me know. He did just that. Now that is something I like - a person who says he'll give you a call, and actually does so. Thanks Ian. However, he told me it was now off the market as it no longer complied with today's regulations. "Too good," he said. The girls in his shop reminded me of 'Dab-it-off' (remember that?) which has also disappeared. That was the one with the wide-necked bottle, with the wadding all ready 'built-in' - you didn't have to go looking for some clean white cloth every time. Lots of things which we relied upon, and it is doubtful if they ever caused anyone harm, have disappeared. I reckon it's the EU. I'll blame them anyway.

On exercise. Exercise is bunk. If you are healthy you don't need it. If you are sick you shouldn't take it. Henry Ford (1863-1947)

Updated: 11:24 Thursday, October 25, 2001