Sir, – The success of the Great Western Greenway demonstrates that there is a considerable demand for dedicated cycle tracks away from traffic. In recent years, along with friends and family, I have spent many enjoyable days cycling on such tracks particularly in Austria and Germany. This year, thanks to the Greenway, it was possible to have a similarly enjoyable trip in Ireland.
Outside of Co Mayo, however, there seems to be little on offer. The plethora of sign posts denoting cycle routes, particularly here in Wexford, but probably elsewhere as well, offer nothing that cannot be found by consulting a map. What they do not provide are safe routes away from traffic. Yes they are quieter than main roads but they are also narrow, twisting, and with high hedges that limit visibility. They are yet another example of token activity, so beloved by our politicians: that of having the appearance of doing something while actually achieving nothing. I don’t know what the return on investment is for the Great Western Greenway but I suspect it has exceeded expectations and is an example that could and perhaps should be followed in the rest of the country. – Yours, etc,