Two thirds of Welsh residents back better access to countryside, poll finds
Two thirds of Welsh residents support improving access to the countryside, according to a YouGov poll commissioned by Cycling UK.
The survey found 67% in favour across Wales, with support in North Wales at 68%.
Only 5% of those polled said they opposed the idea, and opposition did not exceed 10% in any demographic group surveyed.
Support was strongest among Welsh speakers at 77% and people aged 16 to 30 at 78%.
The lowest level of support was among people aged 65 and over, at 58%.
In rural Wales, 61% of respondents backed improved access.
The poll was released ahead of the Senedd election on 7 May as part of Cycling UK’s campaign for the next Welsh Government to increase spending on active travel.
The charity’s Welsh manifesto calls for at least 10% of the total transport budget to be spent on walking and cycling infrastructure within five years.
Cycling UK argues that while Wales’s three National Parks cover 20% of its land area, not everyone can reach them without a car, and that improving cycling and walking routes beyond the parks would benefit more communities.
A 2023 Welsh Government-backed study found the outdoor activity tourism sector contributes £1.6 billion a year to the Welsh economy and supports more than 31,000 jobs.
Gwenda Owen, Wales Advocacy lead at Cycling UK, said:
“While it’s easy for some to jump in the car and drive to a national park, not everyone has access to a car and driving shouldn’t be the only way you can reach our wonderful green spaces.”
She added: “In a political era defined by division, it’s rare and hugely significant to see such overwhelming support for one initiative, and politicians must listen.”
Paul Donovan, Chair of the Outdoor Alliance Wales, said:
“To unshackle this potential, we need better, equitable access to the countryside that directly addresses the disconnect between the people of Wales and its natural environment.”
The full Cycling UK Welsh manifesto is available at cyclinguk.org/local-elections-2026.
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