When driving along Totara Street back to the city on Monday, we noted the lack of cyclists using the newly upgraded two-direction cycleways. It is wide enough to have taken another car lane for the many cars who want to get into the city or beyond. I shall keep a check but on Friday there was one cyclist and one person walking.

I know there are many recreation cyclists in this region and I know how much they enjoy off-road cycling, which is safe. It is more than time for money to be spent on our roads that desperately need upgrading for this and future generations. Even State Highway 2's first stage, which is years late, is at last underway – but for the Minister to take the Te Puna to Omokoroa SH2 off the 10-year plan is a scandal.

In this growing region, with the best port in the country, roading access has to be improved. Certainly, we need bus services but they too need decent roads to drive on. There are too many accidents because our roads just aren't up to standard. Now we are having to put up with rotten potholes as well. Please, action is needed.

Margaret Murray-Benge, Bethlehem.

***When asked for right of reply, Tauranga City Council declined in this instance.