Pedalling ahead Editor,

I was glad to see your editorial on November 22 urging more bicycle-friendly roads. In the United States and Western Europe, cities are overwhelmed by cars, traffic jams, pollution and the sheer amount of urban space devoted to cars. At the same time Westerners are concerned about the health problems caused by their sedentary lifestyles.

Some Chinese traffic planners may think they are catching up with the West by putting an emphasis on cars. In fact China is ahead of the West in terms of its urban transport system with its (still) bicycle-friendly environment.

Let China lead the world with more innovation to further encourage bicycle use. It's an approach the West will eventually have to follow.

James Lindsay, Beijing

Lift understanding

Editor,

I read with interest Li Xing's story about China and India on a Beijing-Delhi flight. I think people of India and China both need to know each other rather more passionately. I have been here at the Sichuan University for the last month and I feel the university library has a good number of books on India and its contemporary dynamics.

Its Weste China-South Asia co-operation and development studies centre has a number of books on India that one may not be able to find even at major Indian universities. I have found a natural love and affection for India among the students at the university and the people of Chengdu, where Sichuan University is located.

The greatest bridge between India and China, to me, is the legend of Gautam Buddha. I have been to Leshan Buddha and to Mount Emei also. At every step you find the footprints of India's Sanskrit scholars and religious preachers like Samant Bhadra, who came to China's great land of civilization 1000 years before and left their mark with the strength of love, karuna (compassion) and affection for all mankind. That's the spirit we have to imbibe for our future.

Today India and China are the only two living ancient civilizations that have become modern nation states. The Asian region and the world need there to be a greater understanding between India and China because global events are influenced by the moves of these two great nations.

Tarun Vijay, New Delhi

Pre-marital tests

Editor,

I read your article "Reinstate compulsory pre-marriage medical tests" (November 22) and I agree with the mandatory pre-marital screening for disease as well as to check for blood incompatibilities should pregnancy occur. But to avoid embarrassment, maybe the government could do what we do in the United States when a person is tested for HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

The person having the test does not have to give his or her name. The test is given a number and the person keeps a copy of the form. When the results are ready, all the caller has to do is ask for the result for whatever number they have. Only the person's social security number is on the paper, which identifies the person.

This would work in China if it has a similar way of identifying each citizen.

Audrie Bethke, United States

(China Daily 12/14/2006 page4)