Cycling, football, bicycles... civilisation?

[Ganymede]

I just read this letter in the paper. I think it's brilliantly succinct:

• In Bamberg, Bavaria, last week I passed eight maintained football pitch/play areas in one and a half hours. None was in school or college grounds; all freely accessible. Consoled myself thinking of the UK's nuclear weapons and aircraft carrier. I was on a cycle path at the time, but that's another letter. Or maybe it's not.
John Roberts
Dursley, Gloucestershire

 

[Ganymede]

Actually makes more sense with the previous letter in as well:

• Germany beat Brazil 7-1 and again reach the World Cup final (Sport, 9 July), a German has already won three stages of the Tour de France and the German economy is the strongest in Europe. There must be lessons to learn, if Britain is willing to learn, of course.
Spencer Sibson
Nottingham

(both from the Graun btw)