Welcome to Road Safety Wales
8/3/12
Fashion designer Julien Macdonald left London Fashion Week early to officially open 'Puddlers Bridge' - the brand new walking and cycling route in his hometown Merthyr Tydfil.
Julien joined Sustrans Cymru, Cllr Jeff Edwards, Leader of Merthyr Tydfil CBC and twenty pupils from Afon Taf school to open the bridge and unveil the new bench. Julien is one of three local icons whose portraits have been sculpted in steel as part of a bench to mark the opening of the new route. He said; 'It's a really special feeling to have the people from the area I grew up in recognise me in this way, and I hope the portrait bench becomes a well-used and familiar part of the landscape.
'Merthyr is a beautiful part of Wales and a route like this one will inspire more people to get out on foot or bike and discover just how beautiful it is.'
The bridge is a new traffic-free crossing on the Trevithick Trail, which links Pentrebach with Merthyr Tydfil town centre, and will allow walkers and cyclists a safer crossing over busy the A4060. It is also part of a series of new walking and cycling links right across the Welsh valleys, which has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.
Lee Waters, Sustrans Cymru Director, said; 'Creating safer routes for walking and cycling on is key to encouraging more people to make their short, daily journeys on foot or bike. This bridge, over a very busy road, will be exactly that, and will give everyone more choice about how they travel locally.'
The bridge links up Triangle Business Park, giving people more options for travelling to and from work and giving shoppers better and safer walking and cycling access to the local supermarket.
In partnership with Merthyr Tydfil Country Borough Council, the bridge has been built as part of a national project from charity Sustrans' to build new walking and cycling routes in communities across the UK. The project is part-funded thanks to a £50million from the Big Lottery Fund in 2007.
8/3/12
A project has been launched to help pupils in Merthyr Tydfil make a more active journey to school. Children at 11 primary schools and one secondary school in the borough will take part in the `Bike It’ scheme which hopes to encourage more youngsters to hop on their bike.
Run by charity Sustrans, the initiative has been launched in conjunction with Merthyr Tydfil Council to help pupils gain more confidence to cycle to school, rather than being dropped at the school gates by car.
The launch event, attended by Merthyr Mayor Paul Brown, took place at Caedraw Primary School on Monday.
Lee Waters, Sustrans Cymru Director, said: We know that around half of children want to cycle to school but only four percent actually do.
“Our work helps to give children the confidence and skills to cycle, making them more active and healthy, giving them the independence and confidence that is vital to every child’s development and helping them to arrive at school more alert and ready to learn.”
Merthyr has seen a series of new traffic-free walking and cycling links open in recent months, including the Puddler’s Bridge at Pentrebach, opened by fashion designer Julien Macdonald, and Pengarnddu Bridge, as part of the Heads of the Valleys cycle route.
In other areas of Wales, Sustrans has successfully tripled the proportion of journeys regularly cycled to school and the charity expects to see similar success in Merthyr.
15/2/12
A Vale of Glamorgan Council scheme to provide a safe route to schools and work in Barry has been given a funding boost.
The off-road cycle and footway is set to be completed by the end of March, thanks to more than £400,000 extra funding from the Welsh Government’s Safe Routes in Communities scheme. The scheme has funded the completion of a route along Port Road, but the additional money will make a path between Barry Comprehensive School and the Docks Link Road a reality by the end of March.
It will allow a safe walking and cycling route for residents to access facilities on Port Road and Colcot Road. School children and students attending Barry Comprehensive, Bryn Hafren and Ysgol Bro Morgannwg secondary schools as well as Colcot Primary School will be among those to benefit from the scheme, which will also link Barry Hospital and other facilities such as surgeries, shops, sports pitches and leisure facilities.
The scheme also benefits from funds that have been secured for the community as the result of the construction of the Vale of Glamorgan Memorial Park and Crematorium and the Golwg-Y-Coed housing development at Pencoedtre. As part of granting planning permission, funds promised by the developer are used to pay for infrastructure such as roads and leisure facilities nearby.
Councillor Jeffrey James, Cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: "This is a key priority for the council and it’s excellent news that further funding has ensured that this important scheme can be completed well ahead of schedule. The combined footpath and cycle path will be of huge benefit to all sectors of the community and also demonstrates the council’s commitment to sustainable travel and safe cycling."
27/9/11
Year 6 pupils at Georgetown Primary School recently had a new experience in cycle training. Instead of the usual cycle proficiency training lessons on the yard, they were trained on the roads outside the school.
The National Standards Cycle Course, arranged by Maria Barsi-Mills, the Road Safety Office for Blaenau Gwent, was delivered by instructors from Cycle Training Wales and funded through Blaenau Gwent’s Road Safety Grant from the Welsh Government.
BGCBC is committed to getting more people to cycle, as it is a cheap, healthy, and sustainable means of transport.
This cycling course at Georgetown Primary enabled the children to gain confidence in riding their bikes in real conditions on today’s roads. They learned about observation, safe road positioning and giving signals. Not only did it teach them to ride a bike to National Standards, but also introduced them to cycling as an everyday fun activity and an alternative mode of transport.
11/8/11
A visit to Caerphilly County Borough Council’s road safety marquee at this year’s Big Cheese Festival turned out to be a prize-winning experience for one local resident. Shannon Bevan from Abertysswg entered a special road safety competition during her visit and became the lucky winner of a new mountain bike.
The Big Cheese is always an important event in the road safety calendar and this year there were a record number of visitors at the team’s popular marquee.
Almost 400 people entered the free competition to win the mountain bike. They had to answer road safety questions and complete a bike related word search and the first correct answer drawn out of the box following the event was the winner.
Shannon was presented with her prize by Cllr Rob Gough, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Engineering and Transport and Terry Shaw, Head of Engineering Services. She was absolutely thrilled to have won the bike!
Cllr Rob Gough said, “I was delighted to see so many people visit the road safety marquee at this year’s Big Cheese festival, which gave people the opportunity to learn some very important road safety messages”.
Hundreds of people of all ages took part in activities at the marquee such as finding faults on two very dilapidated bikes, which gave the road safety team an ideal opportunity to remind the public of the importance of wearing a helmet.
Hundreds of children also made badges with a road safety theme, which they took away with them reminding them of the day’s message.
If you would like to have further information on road safety activities in your area please contact the CCBC Road Safety Team on 01495 235402
10/8/11
Greenfield School has received a generous donation of a number of bikes suitable for children with additional learning needs by the Taff Bargoed Development Trust. Ian Everett-Woolston (Community and Heritage Trails Warden) flagged up the need and the trust took on the mantel and offered bikes in their possession for use at the school.
The Trust are very pro-active in accommodating additional needs groups and individuals and see this as an ideal way of broadening the bikes availability.
Howard Jackson, Manager for Taff Bargoed Development Trust said: “We are donating the cycles to Greenfield School in the safe knowledge that the cycles will certainly be of use and that much enjoyment and a valuable experience will be gained from the subsequent use of the cycles. The Trust is more than satisfied that one of its aims of providing social inclusion will be met through the donation of the cycles.”
Also on board with this project is Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council's Road Safety Officer, Jill Harper, together with firefighters Aeden Oneill and Adrian Thomas from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. In partnership, both organisations have accessed funding and supplied the relevant training. The bikes are maintained and serviced free of charge by TCT (Taff Cycle Training), a company formed by Aeden and Adrian delivering National standards training, MTB (Mountain Bike) guiding and tuition and cycle maintenance courses.
Before being presented to the children by Colin Fenn (Trustee of Taff Bargoed Development Trust) Peter Toomey (Support Worker MTCBC) and his Transition into Employment project trainees ensured the bikes were cleaned and ready for the presentation
.
Councillor Tony Rogers, Cabinet member for Customer Services - Technical and Environment commented: “ This is a very exciting project,not only will the children from Greenfield School be able to use the cycles but the wider community. Plans are being developed to use them on the Taff Trail, at local events and with older members of the community. The pleasure on the children’s faces when they are on these cycles’ shows their true value”.
For further information on this project contact Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council's Road Safety Officer on (01685) 726286.
8/8/11
Pupils from across Rhondda Cynon Taf had a wheely-great time at the launch of the fourth high-profile road safety campaign starring local heroine Sophie Evans.
Be Road Safe – Use Your Head and Wear A Helmet is a fun, colourful and appealing campaign launched by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Road Safety Unit in order to ensure all young residents wear a cycle helmet whenever they use a bike.
Sophie, currently starring as Dorothy in Lord Lloyd-Webbers West End musical Wizard of Oz, took time out from her busy schedule to support the campaign as she recognises the importance of encouraging youngsters to protect themselves.
Be Road Safe – Use Your Head and Wear A Helmet is the fourth and last message in the Be Road Safe series with Sophie Evans. Previous appeals have focused on using the green cross code and holding hands when crossing the road, wearing a seat belt or using a child car seat and ensuring pedestrians turn off mobiles and other hand-held gadgets and concentrate on their surroundings.
Sophie was the special guest at the launch of Be Road Safe – Use Your Head and Wear A Helmet, at the Safety Zone in Treforest, which was also attended by Cllr Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Road Safety, the Road Safety Team and pupils from schools across the county borough.
Sandra Page, who has been a School Crossing Patrol officer at Cymmer Infants for 24 years was a very special guest on the day and presented with gifts and cards to celebrate her exceptional dedication to the role.
Also at the launch were South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, South Wales Police, ROSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) the Recycle Cycle Team at Pontypridd High, Halfords and local councillors.
After enjoying a tour of the Safety Zone and an introduction to the campaign, guess heard from speakers and saw a safe cycling demonstration. The event was also used as a chance to commend youngsters who have excelled in the National Standards 1 and 2 Training delivered in all schools by the Road Safety Unit.
Throughout the year, pupils who have completed the training have been entered into a draw, the results of which were announced at the launch.
The six winners were presented with a bike and essential safety equipment, including a helmet.
They were:
• Brooke Thomas - YGG Pont Sion Norton
• Jordan Jones - Parc Primary
• Courtney Loveridge & Sophie Bennett – Cilfynydd Primary
• Nico Watkins – Penpych Primary
• Keiron Harris – Penrhiwceiber Primary
Cllr Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Road Safety, said: “The Be Road Safe campaign has been a huge success as it has allowed us, with the support of Sophie Evans, to engage with all generations in a family and encourage road safety.
“It forms part of the wider work we are delivering on a daily basis in schools across Rhondda Cynon Taf in order to create safe, confident cyclists, pedestrians and motorists of the future.
“The launch of the final event was a huge success and congratulations must be given to the pupils and Sandra Page, who were awarded for their efforts and achievements on the day.
“Big thanks must also be given to the many partner agencies and organisations who have worked with the Road Safety Team to ensure this campaign, and the wider road safety work delivered, is effective.”
21/6/11
That is the message from the latest important safety campaign from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Road Safety Team, which is being fronted by West End star Sophie Evans. Sophie has been chosen because she is someone people of all ages admire and look up to and she has the ability to bring families together.
That is exactly what the Road Safety Team hope will happen as a result of the latest campaign, with families coming together to discuss road safety and following Sophie’s example by wearing a helmet.
Wearing a protective helmet is proven to reduce the risk of serious injury or worse if you are involved in a cycling accident, which is why it is so important people get used to wearing them as a matter of course from an early age.
Parents, grandparents, carers and even older brothers and sisters have an important role to play in not only stressing why a helmet must be worn, but also ensuring it becomes second nature. Often young children are reluctant to wear a helmet if they are the only one in their group of friends who has to do so.
That is why the Road Safety Unit remains committed to working with children from a very early age so putting on a helmet is second nature.
As well as saving lives and reducing the risk of injury, wearing a helmet is also a sign of being a safe and responsible cyclist, one of the important messages that the Road Safety Unit deliver when they work in schools, teaching pupils how to ride and operate bikes.
Be Road Safe – Use Your Head And Wear A Helmet is the final in a series of campaigns delivered by the Road Safety Unit and fronted by Sophie Evans.
Previous campaigns have raised the profile of using the Green Cross Code and always holding the hand of a youngster when they are crossing the road, always wearing a seat belt or car seat on every car journey and switching off your mobile and concentrating on what is happening around you – especially when you are a pedestrian.
Each campaign was designed to address direct concerns of the community to ensure people of all ages are safe pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Cllr Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Road Safety, said: “Once again, we have worked hard to create an imaginative and appealing campaign with the main aim of getting families discussing important issues and helping them to keep younger generations safe.
“Sophie is the perfect choice for this as she appeals to, and inspires, so many and we are pleased she has once again given us her time to support this important piece of work.
“Wearing a helmet should not be a choice. It is absolutely essential we all wear them in order to prevent serious injury. I hope this campaign goes some way to raising the profile of that message.”
Sophie, currently starring as Dorothy in Lord Lloyd Webber’s West End adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, was chosen as the face of the campaigns due to her popularity with the local population.
She appeals to families and is an inspiration for other young people, enabling the Road Safety Team to create a friendly, appealing campaign to help drive home the important messages.
24/5/11
Hundreds of young children in Swansea will get special cycling safety lessons this year to help keep them safe on two wheels.
A special road safety grant has been awarded to Swansea Council which will give the Council's Road Safety Team the opportunity to visit primary schools from April until August.
Clive John, Swansea Council's Cycle Safety Officer will be busy visiting schools between now and the end of the Summer ensuring children know how to ride a bike and making sure they take their own safety seriously.
During the seven years Clive has carried out the role as Cycle Safety Officer he estimates to have trained around 10,000 schoolchildren. Clive said: "Knowing how to ride a bike safely is a key skill all children should all possess. "Most young children enjoy riding bikes and we want to ensure they can do this safely in their own communities."
One of the schools to receive the training is Dunvant Primary School. Phil Sterio is a teacher at the school. He said, "This is a fantastic resource for our children."It helps with awareness of basic cycling rules and safety measures."Our area is extremely busy and this scheme makes the children think before they take any chances."As a result children take their good habits into adolescence and adulthood, and have a healthy respect for all road users."
Swansea Council has received a total of £595,000 in the annual road safety grant settlement from the Welsh Assembly. £230,000 will go towards educating children about road safety issues including cycle safety training.
20/1/11
Bikeability is ‘cycling proficiency for the 21st Century’ and helps get ‘more children cycling, more often, more safely’.
"We regard the introduction of the National Standards Cycle Training as an important progression in the way that we provide training for cyclists. Added to that, being able to deliver training under the Bikeability brand gives our clients the added confidence that comes with having a scheme that is recognised nationally." Dafydd Edwards, Road Safety Officer Conwy.
It is being brought to Wales by CTC the National Cyclists’ Organisation as part of a Welsh Assembly Government funded project.
Environment Minister Jane Davidson said:
“As a keen cyclist myself, I am keen to encourage lots more cycling in Wales, both as a mode of transport and as a form of recreation. That is why the Deputy First Minister and I launched the Welsh Assembly Government’s Walking and Cycling Action Plan in 2009 which sets out how we will encourage lots more people in Wales to walk and cycle regularly.
“The Bikeability training will help young people in Gwynedd and Conwy to develop the skills and confidence they need to cycle safely. I hope it will also encourage them to cycle regularly. By cycling more and using our cars less we can cut down on our carbon emissions, significantly reduce Wales’ footprint and help to ensure that we keep fit, healthy and happy. "
Gwenda Owen, CTC’s Cycle Training Development Officer for Wales, has been working with Gwynedd and Conwy to enable them to be the first Local Authorities in Wales to register as Bikeability providers.
Gwenda states ‘In showing this level of commitment to Bikeability they are ensuring that young people in Gwynedd and Conwy are given the skills and confidence to cycle where ever they need to go; to school, visiting friends and for recreation; and so allowing young people to benefit from all that cycling has to offer in terms of health, independence and sustainability’
"Gwynedd Council feels privileged to have been given Bikeability Registration. This means we can now feel confident that the Cycle Training we deliver in our Primary School is of the highest standard and has Department for Transport approval" Mai Jones, Green Travel Plan Co-ordinator.
Bikeability training is also delivered in Denbighshire and available in other parts of Wales through registered training organisations. The bursary program has ensured that all Local Authorities now have access to National Standard Instructors and the majority are working towards delivering to this standard.
Reporters and press photographers are invited to attend Civic Centre, Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay LL22 9SE, at 1:30 pm on Thursday.
For more information please contact Gwenda Owen on 07825 081097
19/10/10
The Deputy First Minister will today join the Minister for Environment and friends from charity Sustrans in celebrating our Safe Routes to Schools scheme’s 10th anniversary at the Senedd.
Launched in 1999, our Safe Routes to Schools initiative became an instant success in tackling congestion caused by the school run, and taught children from a young age that walking and cycling could be attractive and fun, and encouraged them to take regular exercise and develop healthy travel habits for the future.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, who is the Minister for Economy and Transport said,
“I am very proud to be here today and equally proud that the Welsh Assembly Government has helped develop so many innovative cycling and walking projects all over Wales. These projects of course could not have been delivered without the close cooperation and support of Sustrans and our partners in local authorities across Wales, and for that I thank you all.”
The Environment Minister, Jane Davidson said,
“I am delighted that Wales now has a ten year history of teaching pupils that cycling or walking to school can be a fun, healthy and often surprisingly quick alternative to travelling by car or bus. It is also an option that it is much kinder to our environment.
"Our Climate Change Strategy, which I launched earlier this month, sets out how Wales will achieve its ambition of 3% year on year reduction in green house gas emissions. Rethinking how we travel is key to this, and I hope that those school children who have benefited from Safe Routes to Schools will continue travel sustainably throughout their lives."
Our Safe Routes to School initiative was launched in 1999 and over £27m has been provided for schemes in Wales.
A new Safe Routes in Communities Programme replaced the Safe Routes to School initiative in 2008-09 and to date over £26million has been allocated for schemes across Wales. While the main emphasis remains on schools, we are also seeking to encourage walking and cycling more generally within communities.
2010 also marks the 15th anniversary of the National Cycle Network led by Sustrans, who joined in the celebrations in Cardiff Bay.
The National Cycle Network is made up of 12,600 miles of walking and cycling routes across the UK. This includes a mixture of quiet lanes, on-road routes and traffic-free paths that are often a great way to get to work, school, the shops or just for exercise and fun. The Network is available to everyone and passes within a mile of 57% of the population.
With the clocks due to go back an hour at the end of the month, the Deputy First Minister chose this moment to remind all road users of the need to be safe and seen on our roads this winter.
He said,
“As the nights draw in and the clocks go back, we all need to make the extra effort to be seen while walking or cycling, particularly in areas without street lights.
“Each year the number of deaths and injuries on our roads increases sharply as we put the clocks back at the end of summer and the evenings become darker earlier. So please remember to wear reflective items and please give the road your full attention.”
9/9/10
A visit to Caerphilly County Borough Council’s road safety marquee at this year’s Big Cheese Festival turned out to be a prize-winning experience for one local resident. Alison Young from Llanbradach entered a special road safety competition during her visit and became the lucky winner of a new mountain bike.
The Big Cheese is always an important event in the road safety calendar and this year there were a record number of visitors at the team’s popular marquee. Almost 300 people entered the free competition to win the mountain bike. They had to answer four road safety questions and the first correct answer drawn out of the box following the event was the winner.
Alison was presented with her prize by Cllr Rob Gough, CCBC cabinet member for transportation and planning and Terry Shaw, head of engineering services. She was thrilled and said “This is wonderful. I did a cycle confidence course last year but did not have my own bike - now I will be able to cycle to the train station to get to and from work”
Hundreds of people of all ages took part in activities at the road safety marquee such as finding faults on two very dilapidated bikes, which gave the road safety team an ideal opportunity to remind the public of the importance of wearing a helmet. Children were invited to design their own badges with a road safety theme as a long term reminder to keep safe on the roads.
If you would like further information please contact Susan Davies on 01495 235402
9/6/10
Young people are being encouraged to get on their bikes as a new cycling initiative launches in Cardiff today. Bike Club is aimed at youngsters between the ages of 10 and 20. It hopes to stimulate their interest in cycling and encourage them to build it into their daily lives.
Bike Club in Wales has been formed by a consortium of three charities - cycling charity CTC, Youth Cymru and ContinYou Cymru which promotes informal learning.
Part of a UK-wide organisation, Bike Club offers youngsters the opportunity to try out a variety of cycling related activities. They include bikeability skills for safe riding on roads, off-road or BMX bike riding experiences and lessons about bike maintenance.
Development officers will work with schools and youth organisations to assist them in setting up clubs in their local area.
The scheme aims to promote social inclusion as well as a healthy lifestyle Melanie Davies, the scheme's development officer for Cardiff, said: "Bike Club is an exciting opportunity for children and young people to engage in interesting and unique cycling activities.
"I'm looking forward to working with groups of young people and helping them to apply for funding."
Bike Club organisers aim to use cycling to broaden children and young people's horizons, promoting social inclusion as well as health and well-being.
Funded in England by the UK Department of Transport, Bike Club is being launched in Wales with sponsorship from Asda's Pedal Power scheme.
A series of Bike Clubs will be established in Cardiff and the surrounding areas in June.
The project will be officially launched today by the Welsh Assembly's environment minister Jane Hutt at the Urdd headquarters at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay.
10/12/09
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Road Safety section have joined forces with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service based at Merthyr Tydfil Fire Station to provide cycle instruction to National standards levels 1, 2 and 3, which has replaced the outdated cycling proficiency award.
Level 1 is for groups of up to 12 and is non traffic based training ie at a leisure centre or school playground etc, level 2 is for groups up to 6 and is all road based ensuring the candidates can carry out all essential manoeuvres to enjoy day to day cycling and level 3 is one to one tuition for total beginners or individuals, who would like to cycle more for health reasons or commute more confidently to their place of work.
Although a cycling national standards scheme level 1 and 2 was introduced into the primary schools in the authority 3 years ago, this is the first time the scheme will be delivered by MTCBC in partnership with an agency based inside the County Borough. Firefighter Aeden O’Neill and Crew Manager Adrian Thomas both serving members at Merthyr Tydfil Fire Station have become fully qualified national standards cycle instructors and will launch this new initiative at Mount Pleasant Primary School and Dowlais Primary School.
Station Manager Nigel Williams says, “We are always happy to participate in partnership activities within the borough which improve the safety of the general public. I would like to personally thank Jill Harper, Merthyr’s Road Safety Officer for supporting us in this venture, which I am confident will improve our children’s road safety”. Other schools in the authority will be given an opportunity to take part in this scheme in the New Year.
For further Information contact the MTCBC Road Safety Section on 01685 726286.
7/12/09
“Sharing good practice in cycle training.”
Wednesday 10th March 2010
Llandrindod Wells Powys
Cycle instructors, training providers, scheme organisers and managers are invited to attend Wales’ first cycle training conference. The combination of speakers, workshops, stands and networking opportunities promise to afford all those involved in cycle training the chance to share good practice.
The venue is a 5 minute walk from the train station and the Conference program will be set to accommodate those travelling by train. For those wishing to travel up the day before CTC will provide details of accommodation and additional workshops shortly.
8/9/09
Year 6 pupils in Ysgol Llanrug recently had a new experience in cycle training. First they were shown the importance of bike maintenance, with some bikes being deemed unroadworthy!
Instead of the usual Cycle lessons on the school yard they were able to be trained on the roads outside the school.
This enabled them to gain confidence to ride their bikes on today’s roads. It is not just about being taught to ride a bike to national standards, but also introducing them to cycling as an everyday fun activity and an alternative mode of transport.
The 3 important steps they learnt were:
1. Observation
2. Safe Road Positioning
3. Giving Signals
6/8/09
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Road Safety Team is pleased with the large number of people that visited the Road Safety marquee at this year’s Big Cheese festival to learn some important road safety messages.
Over the course of the weekend, in excess of 1,200 visitors descended on the Road Safety marquee and had the opportunity to paint road safety pictures and make badges complete with road safety messages.
There was also a competition where children could win prizes by finding safety faults with a bike and the mobile phone competition was also heavily subscribed. The winner of the mobile phone competition was Ryan Davies, who was presented with his prize, a fantastic mountain bike and helmet, by Cabinet Member for Transportation and Planning, Councillor Rob Gough and CCBC’s Head of Engineering Services, Terry Shaw.
Cllr Rob Gough said, “I was delighted to see so many people visit the Road Safety marquee at this year’s Big Cheese festival, which gave people the opportunity to learn some very important road safety messages.
Both adults and children alike had a thoroughly enjoyable time taking part in the educational activities that the team had organised.”
Competition winner, Ryan Davies was thrilled with his prize and said, “I have never won anything before and have been wanting to buy a bike for ages so this was a lovely surprise!”
5/8/09
These young cyclists had the wheels, wore the helmets – some even had the gloves! Now it was time to get the training. The predicted barbeque weather (well, have you ever been to a barbeque when it was fine!?) was the backdrop for “how to cycle in all weather conditions”.
With the support of the fire fighters at Caldicot Fire Station, PCSO Amanda Yung and the expertise of members of Cycle Training Wales, these young cyclists had the benefit of training many adults would do well to heed.
The course, the first to run in Monmouthshire
• Tested their skills in cycle control
• Showed the importance of wearing the right gear with tips on adjusting cycle helmets
• Gave a crucial demonstration in cycle maintenance (alas, some bicycles were deemed unroadworthy).
all before tackling the biggest hurdle of all – cycling in traffic.
Road sense and common sense were the building blocks of this no-nonsense experience. Control and observational skills were tested to the limit and these young road users were not found wanting.
5/8/09
David Bellamy OBE, the famous botanist, author, broadcaster and environmental campaigner was on a visit to Cantref Primary School recenlty while the children were taking their Cycle Test.
Mr Bellamy agreed to have his photograph taken with the successful cyclists and with no thought about his personal safety, the great man proceeded to lie on floor in front of them in his own inimitable way!
In the interests of Road Safety, a career change as a “living sleeping policeman” was turned down.
3/7/09
The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, will today mark the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to transport sustainability by officially opening the new £2million cycle and foot bridges linking two north Wales communities.
The Pen-y-Clip bridges, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, will provide a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians between Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan. The bridges are located immediately east and one immediately west of the Pen y Clip tunnel on the A55.
Mr Jones said:
“I’m delighted to be able to officially open these bridges today which I hope will prove to be a valuable asset to this part of north Wales
“We are committed to creating more cycle routes across all parts of Wales. These bridges will enable cyclists and pedestrians to use the Old Telford road across the headland, creating a safer and more scenic route. By replacing the existing crossing either side of the Pen-y-clip tunnel with bridges, we have created a continuous route that will better link the two communities and significantly improve this section of the national cycle network.
“As we celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the One Wales programme of Government, this investment outlines our commitment to delivering a truly sustainable transport system for Wales and provide people with alternatives to using the car. If more people walk and cycle across Wales it will help reduce their dependence on the car, and contribute to cutting CO2 emissions which are causing Climate Change.
We all need to reduce our carbon footprint, and cycling can help to make a real difference. With the cost of motoring on the rise, cycling is a cheap, healthy, and sustainable means of transport.”
The opening was also attended by the mayors of the two town councils, local councillors and cycling organisations, with members of a local cycling club testing out the cycle bridge.
30/6/09
 |
| Opening the new cycle path are Anthea Jones Cycling Officer Powys CC, Steve Davies Chair of Tawe Ucaf Community Council, Meryl James Transport Wales WAG, Richard Davies Site Manager Nant Helen, Celtic Energy, Aneurin Davies Chair of Town Council, Krishn Pathak County Councillor |
A new £335,000 shared use path for cycling and walking has been officially opened in Ystradgynlais. The route, known locally as the Tawe Uchaf Trail, is a traffic free path for walkers, cyclists and people with disabilities.
Developed by Powys County Council, in partnership with mining company Celtic Energy, the path is just over 4km in length and stretches from Penrhos to Coelbren in town. Funding for the route has come from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Safer Routes in Communities Fund.
A long-term aspiration of the community, the route utilises a section of the disused railway line in the ownership of Celtic Energy. The route can currently be accessed from Penrhos but the future aspiration of the community is that access will be available from other parts of the town.
Cllr Gwilym Evans, Board Member for Cycling and Road Safety, said: “We’re pleased that this route has been constructed to such a high standards and local people are already out using the path on a regular basis. It is an excellent local resource to promote physical activity and regeneration.”
29/6/09
A day of biking activities has been held at Bwlch Youth and Community Centre, Llanelli, organised by Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First.
The event, on Friday, June 19, was aimed at helping members of the community learn about bike safety and maintenance and gave a chance for them to take part in group activities.
A cycle surgery and bike maintenance workshop was run by members of the youth service; and local police officers gave general safety advice and protected bicycles with a secure marking system.
There was also information on local and county-wide cycle routes from Carmarthenshire County Council’s leisure department, as well as advice about a free cycle loan scheme run by C1st. The day finished with a group cycle ride along the Millennium Coastal Path.
Karen Gibbard, community development officer, said: “There were lots of opportunities to learn about cycle leisure activities, as well as maintenance and safety.
“It was organised as part of our efforts to bring the community together and offer a range of activities that will enrich friendships and create a sense of community well-being.”
9/6/09Cycle Instructors in Wales are to have the opportunity to establish a Forum that meets their needs, through a series of meetings across Wales.
The first meeting will be held on 18th June in Colwyn Bay at the Interchange. Tea and coffee will be provided from 1pm with a view to starting by 1.15 pm.
Details of a South Wales meeting will be circulated shortly.
The meetings are open to anyone who is delivering or hoping to deliver National Standards Cycle Training.
11/5/09
Over 100 pupils and parents from Forden walked and cycled on the new shared path on the day of its official opening.
The £190,000 path, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Safer Routes in Communities Fund, was opened on 29 April. 40 children biked and another 35 were joined by parents to walk the path.
Built by Powys County Council within the highway boundary, the two kilometre path improves a section of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail.
The new path, which has been a long term aspiration of the community and was a key aspect of the Focus on Forden’s Future event that took place last year, has created better links between all parts of Forden and will enable residents, particularly children, to walk and cycle safely.
Cllr Gwilym Evans, Board Member for Cycling and Road Safety, said: “This route has been needed by the community for a long time. It’s a great facility providing local people with the opportunity to walk and cycle and stay active. Progress on cycle routes across the county is very promising with many new routes being constructed.”
Mr Simon Newson, Headteacher of Forden Church in Wales School, said: “This new path will allow children and adults to walk or cycle from one end of the village to the other safely. Not only will it allow pupils to walk to school, which will help them keep fit and active, it will also help create a greener environment around the school with less traffic.”
30/4/09
The National Standards Cycle Training Capacity Building Project got off to a flying start with the four Instructor Training Courses held in March and April. With over 40 participants, National Standards Cycle Training is becoming well and truly established in Wales. Thanks to Cycle Training Wales, who delivered courses in Carmarthen and Cardiff, and to Cycle Experience Wales who delivered the first course in Cardiff and one in Llandudno.
25/3/09
The cycle to work challenge put forward by Denbighshire County Council and Cycle Experience at the beginning of March is drawing to a close. The challenge to encourage workers on the St Asaph Business Park and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd to leave their cars at home and cycle to work is due to finish on Saturday 28 March.
A “try-out day” was held where 38 intrepid workers turned up to find out how they could get fit, save time, save money and do their bit for the environment. Everything was provided free of charge – from advice to the bike itself! All the participants had to do was to commit to cycling to work for at least 50% of the time over a 4 week challenge period.
Bike Pick Up Day will be held this Saturday, 28 March from 10 to 11:30am at the Police Headquarters on St Asaph Business Park, where participants will have the opportunity to purchase the bike at a reduced rate.
Denbighshire is supporting this challenge to raise awareness of just how many cycle paths there on now in Denbighshire as well as to encourage people to keep fit and active.
Denbighshire is currently undertaking an extensive programme of works to introduce cycleways to the north of the county. This cycle network will provide excellent links for cyclists of all levels to towns such as Rhyl/Prestatyn/Rhuddlan and St Asaph.
For more information, please contact alan.hinchcliffe@denbighshire.gov.uk or 01824 706887.
20/3/09
The first National Standards Cycle Instructors are being trained in Cardiff with funding from the Welsh Assembly Government. The first 12 instructors qualified on 19 March and will begin training children in Wales to cycle using the new official system for cycle training.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson, said: “The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to getting more people to cycle; we want to see more of our children on their bikes and cycling to school.”
Gwenda Owen, CTC’s Cycle Training Development Officer for Wales, said: ”The National Standards gives parents and children the confidence to make their daily journeys by bike under real conditions. These 12 instructors will lead the way to more children cycling making healthier, happier children and fewer cars on the school run in Cardiff.”
The cycle training National Standards have already been adopted by a small number of local authorities in Wales, but the funding for 110 instructors and the partnership with CTC - the UK’s national cyclists' organisation will help ensure all children across the whole of Wales have access to the highest standard of cycle training.
Working with CTC – the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation and the Sports Council, the £250,000 funding over three years will be used to get the National Standards adopted across Wales alongside the successful Bikeability brand – which is cycling proficiency for the 21st century.
12/3/09
Volunteers are being sought by Powys County Council to train primary school pupils to cycle safely.
Powys County Council’s Road Safety Unit offers a cycle training course to all children in Years Five and Six in Powys primary schools. But the Unit relies on volunteer cycling instructors to deliver the training at schools in their local area.
Volunteers in the Brecknockshire and Radnorshire areas are needed to enable training to take place this school year. They will be paid for their time and travelling expenses and full training and support will be provided by the Area Road Safety Officers.
Pupils will embark on six one-hour lessons spread over a three to six week period and must complete a homework pack that reinforces their practical training. The courses take place either during the school day or straight after school.
Cllr Gwilym Evans, board member responsible for Road Safety, said: “Teaching a child to cycle safely is an important part of their road safety education and it helps young riders learn how to gather information and then make decisions about what to do and when, as they ride in traffic.”
If you are interested in becoming an Instructor or require any further information, please contact Sarah Morris, Senior Road Safety Officer on 01597 826637.
All new Instructors will be police checked before they are permitted to train the children.
4/3/09
The Welsh Assembly Government aims to encourage more people to walk and cycle more safely and more often. This Action Plan explains how the Welsh Assembly Government and their partners are supporting walking and cycling in Wales.
Key objectives are to:
- Improve the health and well being of Wales through increased physical activity;
- Improve the local environment for walkers and cyclists;
- Encourage sustainable travel to combat climate change;
- Increase levels of walking and cycling through promotion of facilities; and
- Ensure that walking and cycling are prioritised in policies, guidance and funding.
The Welsh Assembly Government currently supports a number of initiatives and organisations. These include:
- Safe Routes to Communities: Support for local authorities to develop safe walking and cycling routes and to improve accessibility;
- Trunk road improvement and a transport grant scheme that provides new walking and cycling infrastructure;
- Funding for Sustrans Cymru, the sustainable transport charity;
Visit: Sustrans website
- National Standards in Cycling Training: Introduction of National Standards by increasing the number of qualified instructors in Wales with the Cyclists Touring Club (CTC) Charitable Trust;
Visit:CTC Website
- Lets Walk Cymru: This is a Wales-wide scheme developed with the Sports Council for Wales and Countryside Council for Wales. It is tasked with increasing the number of people participating in walking as a regular activity; and
Visit:Lets Walk Cymru
- Bike It - a Sustrans Cymru pilot scheme that aims to increase cycling to school by: raising awareness of its benefits; teaching cycle skills; and running bike to school events and rides.
Visit: Bike It
Useful links to other organisations
Visit:The Ramblers Association
Document Download PDF format 1.86kb 
A Walking and Cycling Action Plan for Wales 2009 - 2013
26/2/09
The first bursaries to cover the costs of National Standards Cycle Training in Wales are now available. The four Instructor Training courses that qualify for these initial bursaries are being delivered across Wales on the following dates:
Cardiff – 16th to 19th March
Llandudno – 24th to 27th March
Carmarthen – 26th/27th March, 2nd/3rd April
Cardiff – 16th/17th April, 23rd/24th April
