It is strange, when you look at a map of the greenways, how they almost seem to intentionally avoid being convenient to downtown. You would think there would be a “hub”, or at least a lot more connectivity, in the center. I’m sure if there was, they’d see more use, but as it stands, if you don’t live in SE Raleigh you have to go way out of your way to get downtown. An obvious candidate for greenway connection to downtown is Dix park; it’s less than 1 mile as the crow flies, but to get there via the greenway is a 5-mile trip. A more extreme example is something like Lions Park; ~2 miles away, but a 15-mile trip via greenway.
@alliej If you haven’t seen it yet, it sounds like you’d also be interested in this thread. Currently the city only allows greenways to be created in areas that are considered environmentally sensitive. The survey in that thread (link below, credit @orulz) is taking input on the future of greenways, and specifically whether they should expand where they can be established. Go sound off in support of more greenways connecting to downtown!