CYCLE PATHS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 146, 21 June 1901, Page 2

CYCLE PATHS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I was very much impressed with your article of May 30th, re a cycle path to Rotorua, and as a Southern wheelman desire to add confirmation to the views therein expressed that such a path would pay for itself in a few years. Travelling by bicycle is fast becoming1 one of the most popular forms of locomotion in Xew Zealand as it has become in England, where cycle traffic has been the means of opening; up again old inns, many of which have been closed since the days of the stage coach. The chief reason why so comparatively few cyclists in this colony visit such resorts as Rotorua, Mount Cook, the Southern lakes, etc., is solely on account of the wretched roads to these, scenes of wonder and beauty. If wheelmen generally were assured of a cycle path from Auckland to Rotorua, I venture to say that the northern lakes would soon become a sort of cyclists Mecca. The mere mention down here of a cycle tour to Rotorua is ridiculed, the general impression being that such a feat is hardly possible owing to the rough nature of the roads. Still many cyclists in Canterbury (judging from the inquiries I have received) cast longing eyes in the direction of Rotorua, and impatiently await the time when the trip may be undertaken in comfort and without danger to cycle or cyclist It may bs urged that the railway is there ready for their use, but, sir, cyclists do not relish travelling in stuffy railway cars. They much prefer the free and open ?ife upon a wheel where they can admire the beauties of nature at their leisure, and stop or start when and where they wish. It will always be found that cyclists will tour in those districts where the best roads arej found, and the fact of a cycle path running to Rotorua would attract cyclists in hundreds from all over the colony, and result in an ever increasing tourist, traffic passing- through Auckland and on to the Hot Lake district. The prospects of trade in your citj-'and along tne proposed line of path are such that one wonders that the Auckland public have not urged this matter upon the Tourist Department long ago. Thanking you on behalf of the Canterbury wheelmen for your able advocacy of this work, and* trusting that you and the Auckland Cycle Roads League will continue your effort^ until the path is put in hand, I am. yours, etc., ' J. E. GREEN, Ex-Consul for Canterbury N.Z.C.T.C Christchureh, June S, 1901.