Welsh Conservatives have today (Saturday) announced plans to
revolutionise cycling and active travel across Wales.
Today (Saturday) marks the start of Bike Week 2018, and the
current cycling infrastructure across the country fails to meet
the demand for non-automotive modes of transport.
Cycling and walking is a cost-effective and eco-friendly
alternative, proven to reduce travel congestion and carbon
dioxide emissions. Essential to a sustainable and liveable
twenty-first century Wales, cycling puts health and safety at the
fore of urban development.
A recent report by the National Assembly’s Economy,
Infrastructure and Skills Committee stated that there has been a
lack of progress in increasing the amount of people that are
walking and cycling since the passage of the Active Travel Act in
2013.
Welsh Conservatives have announced a number measures to
prioritise the development of cycling infrastructure in Wales and
these include:
- The introduction of a Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy
within the first 100 days of a future Welsh Conservative-led
Government
- To at least double the length of cycle routes in urban
residential areas by 2040, prioritising local cycling networks
around community anchors
- Establishing a ‘Community Cycle Fund’ that local communities
can use to fund and design their own cycling network
- Increasing the number of secure bicycle parking options in
Wales’ towns and cities
Outlining the proposals, Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for
the Environment, AM, said:
“The current cycling infrastructure fails to meet the demand for
non-automotive modes of transport around our urban areas in
Wales.
“A future Welsh Conservative government would prioritise the
development of our cycling infrastructure through the immediate
introduction of a comprehensive Cycling and Walking Investment
Strategy for Wales.
“By establishing a Community Cycle Fund and doubling the length
of cycle routes available, our plans will help reduce traffic
congestion and carbon dioxide emissions.
“And by moving towards a bicycle-centric transportation scheme
there will be hugely important health benefits such as improved
cardiovascular health and reducing obesity.
“Welsh Conservatives will work with local communities to fill the
void left by the Labour Government, and ensure Wales’ commitment
to increasing cycling and active travel measures is redoubled.”
Shadow Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, , said:
“The Welsh Government’s commitment to increasing the prominence
of cycling and walking has been questionable with a significant
lack of leadership.
“Future transport plans should be crafted to better connect our
towns and cities and we would increase the number of secure
bicycle parking options.
“Under our Community Cycle Fund, community projects will be able
to access funding to support a whole range of infrastructure
projects depending specifically on what the community need and
want.
“If the Welsh Government cannot provide the necessary leadership
to improve our active travel prospects, the Welsh Conservatives
will.”
