The Welsh Government announced 209 proposals were made by local authorities across Wales to the scheme aimed to help protect public health and to enable people to choose active travel for short local journey’s that will help see a modal change in habits for the nation.

Cycling proposals for the scheme have seen speed limits lowered to 20mph across a number of towns and cities as well as new cycling infrastructure such as pop up cycle lanes, removal of restrictions placed on people traveling by bike and  increases in cycle parking provision.

Of the schemes listed, £2m has been provided specifically to implement schemes around schools. With children starting to return to schools in the next few weeks, it is important to enable children, whether on their own or accompanied, to make safe walking and cycling journeys to school and maintain social distance in the lead up to the school gates to form lifelong healthy travel habits. 

Other schemes approved included secure cycle parking for Swansea alongside a Park & Cycle initiative at existing Park and ride sites. Our rural counties were also successful in receiving funding with a number of E-Bike schemes coming into place to support key workers also turn to active travel.

All schemes awarded funding will look to have the measures in place over the next 3-4 months as we continue to emerge from restrictions and find a new cleaner sustainable way of everyday life. The relative council should make specific information about all schemes available in due course.

Welsh Cycling CEO Anne Adams-King said: ”It is fantastic to see cycling feature heavily in the travel plans from the local authorities. We’ve seen an incredible rise in the number of people turning to cycling over the last few months, with these measures in place it will help to support the ever growing number of people who are choosing cycling as their preferred mode of transport and supporting the health of the nation.”

Welsh Cycling’s Choose Cycling campaign has been created to support the promotion of cycling within the local authorities with our affiliated clubs and groups providing information and tips on the best places to ride. This local knowledge will prove invaluable as more people discover the benefits of cycling and may look to expand their own cycling by joining one of our local group or club rides when restrictions on these activities are lifted.  

Welsh Government announcement and link to approved initiatives