Letters to Editor: cycle tracks impress cyclists

Cycle tracks impress cyclists

My partner and I would like to publicly thank the councils, contractors, and everyone else involved in creating the new cycle tracks.

The concrete pathway around Westshore into Ahuriri is terrific and attracting many riders, tourists, and families. The effort in building the extension to the Westshore bridge, the extra-wide pathway, and safety barriers is much appreciated.

The ongoing work creating new tracks around the airport and estuary is also very impressive.

We can cycle the waterfront and the wetlands within a few minutes of leaving our home.

Having enjoyed the Otago trails last summer we are now enthusiastic about our Hawke's Bay trails.

Imagine if the line to Gisborne could also be converted.

A word of warning: One large magpie among the gum trees on the estuary is being very aggressive - wear your cycle helmet.

David Glenday, Hawke's Bay

Backing Zac

Good on Daren Guildford for supporting Zac Guildford. It is a pity the NZRU does not offer as much support for a young player with such potential.

Zac lost his father in tragic circumstances and needs support not condemnation.

Lynette Larkins, Hawke's Bay

Flag it

Re: Patricia Roberts' letter for the NZ flag replacement:

I used to be proud of my mother's English heritage.

That changed on the day I travelled internationally to England for the first time in recent years with my wife and daughter. Six of us, including three Australians, queued for as long as it took for other custom gates to pass through two full planeloads of Italians, French, Greek and other EEC members. Meanwhile we were interrogated at length on no grounds when my daughter was clearly ill and reduced to tears. That was the day we decided that we would be quite happy not to step on English soil again and that the Union Jack on our NZ flag had reached its use-by date.

Nigel Jones, Hastings