IN the 1960s, when Swindon was one of the best manufacturing towns in the south of England, everybody cycled cheerfully to office, factory and school. Nowadays with the increase in population and the fact that two-thirds of Swindonians own a car or two, the borough council has sensibly organised some 30-odd miles of shared cycle and pedestrian paths to ease the nose to tail congestion and traffic gridlock.

These paths are a boon to those who wish to avoid the noise, stench and danger caused by ever-increasing traffic volumes while adding a road safety factor to the Safe Routes to Schools Initiative.

The people interviewed by the Adver in recent articles did make a valid point in suggesting that the paths should be swept of glass more often. However, why should the councillor for Abbey Meads, whose constituency is the best served for cycle-pedestrian paths in the whole of Swindon, begrudge the rest of the borough any further amenities?

To quote his own words: "There are more cars on the roads than ever before." These paths validate Transport and Planning efforts to ease gridlock, and are paid for from government and housing schemes. More traffic calming and cycle-pedestrian paths can only mean a better, healthier and safer Swindon.

BERNARD CASHMAN (Cyclists Touring Club Right to Ride representative)

Arundel Close

Lawns

Swindon