Madam, - Two recent issues on your letters page can be connected: the carnage on the roads and the idea of creating a network of footpaths/cycleways on dormant railway tracks.
I am surprised there are not more deaths of pedestrians in Ireland, simply because in many parts of the country they do not have footpaths to walk on. Wherever ribbon development has been allowed, it seems little thought has been given to adding a footpath on the roads where these houses have been built.
The result is families living in splendid isolation unable to walk down the road for fear of being hit by a family vehicle which resembles a troop carrier.
The provision of a network of cycling and walking trails; whether using old railway alignments or creating new pathways, would allow families to get back out in the fresh air together again.
A few basic footpaths along the roads leading out of our towns and walkways linking each of the new developments which seem to spring up with no relationship between each other, would encourage people to get out of their cars for the many short journeys they make. It seems these days popping out for a pint of milk involves jumping in the car, often because it is simply too dangerous to walk on roads with no footpaths. - Yours, etc,
JOAN QUINN, Heath Vue, Greystones, Co Wicklow.