A greenway is a linear space, used by the public, linking parks and other areas through a town, city, or country. It consists of paths, trails, sidewalks, and vehicle-free roadside areas in which motor vehicles are not meant to be used. Runners, cyclists, and dog walkers often take advantage of these areas, as well as anyone who wishes to safely traverse through town without a car. Ambitious greenways are built all over the world, including one along the entire eastern border of the United States. Green belts, which may be compared to large-scale greenways, are prominent in the United Kingdom.
Often, greenways appear as long dirt paths, though this is not always the case. A greenway may simply be built along the side of a road, either as a sidewalk or as part of the road itself, where motor vehicles are not meant to travel. Greenways often go through wooded areas and promote activities such as bird watching and general nature watching.
Many advantages to human health can be linked to the presence of greenways in a town or city. Such paths encourage exercises such as biking, jogging, walking, rollerskating, and similar physical activities. Additionally, when used as a mode of transportation, greenways cut down on gasoline emissions from motor vehicles,