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I am stunned and delighted by the decision of Gov. [Martin] O'Malley and the Maryland Department of Transportation to complete the missing miles in the Anacostia Trail system, connecting Maryland's system of bike/pedestrian trails to the District of Columbia ["Construction begins on major Bladensburg trail link," July 8]. I believe this wise allocation of a very small amount of funds will result in disproportionately large benefits to many different constituencies.

The completed connection will provide those of us who commute to work in the District and beyond a safe, viable way to leave our cars at home and bike to work. Fewer cars on the road means less traffic, less air pollution and [more] fuel conservation. More biking to work means more exercise, less stress, weight control and just generally better health, which in turn lowers health care and other costs.

But this is not only a victory for commuters; it is a victory for all residents in the area. Any time we create safe, clean, beautiful outdoor spaces in which we can renew our spirits as well as our bodies, we provide the tools and resources [to] improve the quality of our lives here. And that can only be good news.

Lia Metaxas Imhoff, College Park