Sir,

I was delighted to see that Tenby Junior and Greenhill Schools are encouraging pupils to ride bikes to school, and wish them every success for the 'Tour de Tenby' today (Friday). As a Penally resident, I am one of the rare breed of 'mature' cyclists who regularly uses the Marsh Road cycle track, and I have watched with interest the construction of the new shared access path between the two schools.

I was particularly pleased to read that the schools now have cycle sheds. It reminded me of the occasion 20 years ago when, having successfully completed their cycling proficiency tests, I suggested to my children that we should do the school run 'in the saddle'. On our arrival, the then-head warned us that there was nowhere 'safe' to park the bikes, so felt unable to take responsibility against their loss or damage. When I said I was prepared to take that risk, the tone changed, and, basically we were told 'no cycling'.

I (and the now grown-up children), have continued to cycle, often when those older and wiser have discouraged me from doing so, but as an OAP I'll make my own mind up now! I have recently spent a weekend in the West Country cycling the disused railway between Bristol and Bath, and exploring the network of tracks in the Forest of Dean - but - hey, we have all this in Pembrokeshire too!

The Brunel Cycleway (Neyland - Haverfordwest) is equally comparable to the Avon Cycle route, and whilst not quite in the league as the Forest of Dean, Minwear and Canaston Woods (near Narberth) have vastly improved their network of tracks specifically for cyclists - and that's just for starters. No need to remind locals of our sections of cycable coast path and endless miles of low-traffic lanes... but perhaps we do need to remind our children - even better, get on your bikes and join them!

I shall be with you all in spirit today, but will be running my gallery as usual in Black Pool Mill, but if anyone wants to come cycling in Minwear Woods, I will happily treat them to a drink in the tearooms if they arrive by bike waving this issue of the Tenby Observer.

June Howell,

Black Pool Mill Gallery.