New path redundant?

My blogging assistant (code for son) and I spent some time looking at maps of the existing Columbia paths between the lake front area and the Patuxent Branch trail that takes off from Lake Elkhorn.  In comparing the existing paths with the proposed new path, I was reminded just how redundant this new pathway is. 

Have a look at the picture below.  Existing pathways are depicted in green.  The Connecting Columbia initiative proposes the new 2.6 mile extension, shown below in red.  And, the purple shows the much more conservative (and less invasive) approach of connecting existing paths where possible. 

 Am I the only one who notices that nearly half of the proposed path runs directly parallel to an existing pathway along Brokenland Parkway?  Why can't the existing pathway be widened, allowing plenty of room for walkers and cyclists and providing users with direct access to Owen Brown Village Center, the East Columbia Branch Library, and a number of public transit stops? 

Further, I believe installing a path along the purple section between Lake Elkhorn and Cradlerock Drive South is a lower priority part of CA's plan, as is addressing pedestrian and cyclist safety around the intersection of Stephen's Forest Road and Brokenland Parkway heading north to the mall.  The purple approach above meets a number of CA's and Howard County's goals that a path through the back of Allview Estates could never meet.