Dear Editor: Busy lives and long commutes require too much time indoors and in cars. In recognition of the many health, civic and economic benefits afforded by a small investment in our quality of life, the Newborn Town Council has wisely affirmed their support of a recreational bicycle and jogging trail to be fashioned from the railroad bed donated by Norfolk Southern.

When we lived in Decatur, I was able to use the bike trails in Atlanta to commute to work, as part of my personal health plan. We also would drive some 40 miles up to the Silver Comet Trail, a converted rail-to-bike pathway, to enjoy the lovely bike ride between Dallas and Rockmart. Afterwards, we would stop for lunch or dinner in Hiram or Rockmart, and patronize other businesses there, and so I can attest to the idea of a bicycle path as an economic "engine" for local businesses.

Bicyclers and joggers using the proposed trail would surely patronize local businesses, but aside from the obvious economic benefits the bicycle path would provide a place for safe and healthful physical activity, away from threatening automobile and truck traffic. I applaud the Newborn Council for its sound instincts in supporting this beneficial recreational plan, sure to be a boon to our local economies and a great encouragement for healthier lifestyles.