OH, DEAR! What has the cycling fraternity done to upset Mr Paul Mercer? (Letters, April 28). I entirely agree that it would be a good idea to reinstate the railway line from Bere Alston to Okehampton, especially in view of the vulnerability of the line at Dawlish to a rise in sea level with global warming . However, this is not likely in the near future, and in the meantime use of old railway tracks for cycle routes is very worthwhile. Mr Mercer says that the cycle way is underused. I am a regular user of both the granite way from Lydford to Okehampton and of the Plym Valley cyclepath. In my experience they are both very well used by cyclists and walkers. There are some lycra-clad enthusiasts, but the track is also used a great deal by family groups and even the odd pensioner. Cycling is very good exercise, is a good way of seeing the countryside and is much kinder to joints than running. Off-road tracks are also much safer than most of our roads. Dr Bob Hodgson [email protected]">[email protected]
