Many women may not feel safe but it is not ubiquitous nor reflective of where most interpersonal crime occurs. Moreover, urban development does not equal women feeling safe.

The problem with all city spaces at night is the danger some men present to women in a society that does not properly punish inappropriate behaviour and pushes out-of-date misogynistic imagery. Many women, as a reflex, plan how to get safely to and from venues at night throughout our city - a reality shocking to men who don't have that lived experience.

The parks of this city have been a powerful resource for community wellbeing during this COVID-19 crisis and will continue to be so provided we nurture them.

Higher-density developments without green space with extensive canopy and whose designs add to heat island effects impose additional demand on the existing green infrastructure. Allowing the development industry to push its agenda unimpeded is as flawed an approach as that of the no-change lobby.

Balance is more nuanced than development and cafes are good and large green public spaces are a waste. Decentralisation and distributed public transport demand sounds smart right now. The way we live has changed, abruptly in this crisis and, if we do not address climate change, will continue to change sharply in unexpected ways. Serious research on leveraging past infrastructure beats non-scientific surveys hands down.

Christy Kidner's article "Thank the teachers and parents, but don't forget the kids!" (Focus, May 24, p15), prompts me to share thoughts I have held since the early days of our restrictions. The young people of Australia, especially those from teens down, should - along with our health service personnel and essential workers - be included as heroes in our battle with COVID-19. Their lives have sustained huge impacts - social isolation from their friends, closed playgrounds, learning on line, which for some (especially those with learning difficulties) would have been especially trying.

It's been hard enough on adults who have a wider understanding of why we must support the restrictions, but for young people, who appear to be at a far lower risk of infection, they have shown amazing forbearance. They are to be commended on helping to fight this virus for the sake of others, which augurs well for our hopes to emerge from this lockdown as a stronger, more caring nation.

Mark Thomas seems to have missed the word "shared" in "shared path" ("Ten simple rules for peace between cyclists and walkers", Focus, May 24, p16). His made-up set of 10 rules is mostly about what he, not the law, expects cyclists to do - and he completely fails to cover reasonable responsibilities of other shared path users.

Mark, please understand that for many shared-path users, cycling isn't just a pastime, but primary transport. Your suggestion of walking across bridges, speed humps and not using connecting footpaths are all dangerous and untenable.

Almost all shared-path issues are solved by everyone keeping to the left of the centre line, keeping dogs on leashes on the left and supervising small children. Whether a cyclist rings a bell, whether it is heard, the end result is that if you are not aware of your surroundings, a bicycle may startle you.

Like many others, the temporary closure of gyms in Canberra has forced me to find an alternative form of exercise in the past couple of months. On my early morning walks on our "shared paths" I encounter fellow walkers, runners and, of course, cyclists.

I can honestly say, without exception, the many cyclists I have encountered have been respectful, courteous, friendly and have complied with rules and regulations. I understand there are exceptions, judging by the examples given by correspondents in The Canberra Times. I emphasise the "shared paths" because that is what they are. So when we share them, it behooves us all to display respect, courtesy and compliance with the rules.

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