My Bike Ride

Occasionally I cycle to work. Mainly in the name of keeping fit, but also with half a thought for the environment. If I haven't got a meeting during the day and the weather's fair, I get on my bike and I'm not starting up the car and driving at stop-start pace to the office. I've no idea what this small contribution makes to preserving our world, but I do have to comment on the state of our foot/cycle paths and roads, which surely need to be in such good condition to make cyclists feel like hitting the roads (metaphorically not literally!) and walkers taking to the paths.
The only time you find a decent cycle path on the main roads in this country is when that road is already wide enough to accommodate a bicycle alongside a bus anyway. Even then, you have to veer out to avoid cars parked in the cycle lane! Usually we're left to the narrow strip between the kerb and the first hint of smooth tarmac. This encompasses litter strewn gutters, bone-shaking grids and loose gravel to test the best from Belle Vue Aces speedway team.
Our countryside cycle/footpaths are little better. At this time of the year, much bramble, nettles and low-hanging trees make many a rural walk or cycle almost impassable (or should that be impossible?).
Today I arrived at the office with ferns dangling from my bicycle gear mechanism! I'm not sure which is best - asking the council to send a small tractor down the local paths to cut back the foliage (thus leaving a carbon footprint) or me leaving the bike at home and hopping into my motor instead?
Roger