Cyclists on the roads always cause heated debate, with many questioning whether they should be allowed on the roads at all, but News Shopper asked readers, should they be licensed?

We asked the Shopper readers to vote in our Facebook poll which asked: Should cyclists have to take a 'driving test' and obtain a licence before they are allowed on the roads?

69 per cent said that cyclists should definitely be tested and handed a licence and 31 per cent said that it wasn’t necessary.

As you can imagine, it invited some very ‘passionate’ responses and so here are a few to ponder over. We have tried to pick a good range of opinions but they were a little biased against cyclists.

Thurzah Berry-Mills said: “All motorised vehicles have insurance mot's and pay road tax! Cyclists pay nothing BUT are given cycle lanes some with their own stop n go lights in London but even having those they still zoom past them! And who paid for all that???? It certainly didn't come out of the governments piggy bank. No it was us road tax payers that foot the bill.”

Jess Anderson said: “To be fair, mandatory insurance and licensing hasn't exactly done wonders for motoring. Over 1 million uninsured cars on the road and people allowed to carry on driving with 20+ points on their licence. It's a joke.”

Michael O' Connor: “They should definitely have some kind of cbt course & ban earphones, that's gotta be worse than driving on a mobile.if any cyclists read this then take this advice..ALWAYS look over your shoulder before a change of direction..its called a 'lifesaver glance' for a reason!”

Jo Dart said: “Red lights have no meaning to cyclists.”

Robbie Craig said: “Given the standard of driving and ability to cause harm, maybe regular testing of the competence of (at least) professional drivers would be useful.”

Worth remembering a cyclist is reminded all the time of their vulnerability and more aware of the environment around them than someone encased in a sound proof box. The occupant is also surrounded by protection from impacts though unaware that propelling a 2t box at 30 mph is inherently dangerous and requires them to be considerate of others. So, yes to more testing of operators of dangerous machinery.

Mark Mcgowan said: “No way I drive and cycle People should have to pass a common sense test because there are some awful drivers and cyclists out there.”

Steve Cackett said: “Some cyclists need to be reminded that the Highway Code still applies to them but I think enforcement is going to be an impossibility.”

Michelle Jarrett said: “Tested, have insurance and be identifiable. They should at least have some sort of reg number so they can be identified.”

Alex Kingsley said: “It’s the pavement cyclists that bug me. They are too scared to cycle on the road but they don’t mind terrorising the pedestrians.”

Diana Field said: “I believe that cyclist should be treated the same as Drivers. They should be tested on road use/signage etc. Have insurance, as some accident are down to the cyclist. And also the bike itself should have a registration numbers coded. Some cyclist I believe do code their bikes, so they can be identified if stolen.”

Anne Taylor said: “Saw a bike today that went round wrong side of traffic island to jump queue. If that was a car or motorbike they could be stopped , get points or a fine. Why do bikes get away with it.”

What do you think? Comment below or on Facebook