Wales leads the way on cycling

The Welsh Government’s “Wales: A Cycling Nation” conference will set out how the Welsh Government is promoting cycling and encouraging more people to consider pedal power as a realistic alternative to the car for their short journeys.

The Welsh Government is already leading the way in addressing the increasing demand for safe cycling with the introduction of the Active Travel (Wales) Bill.

First Minister, Carwyn Jones will join the Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths at the conference to underline the Welsh Government’s commitment to cycling.

Speaking before the conference the First Minister said,

“It gives me great pride to know that the Welsh Government is leading the way in promoting cycling and walking as a realistic alternative to the car.

“Only recently the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group’s ‘Get Britain Cycling’ report called for political leadership from the UK Government in order to achieve cycling growth and used our Active Travel Bill as a glowing example of how legislation can be used to make cycling easier.

“By taking a whole government approach to cycling that will involve transport, health, sport, recreation and planning – rather than a marginalised single department approach – we will succeed in making Wales a cycling nation.”

Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths, said,

“Everybody recognises that increasing levels of cycling in Wales can boost our economy, create jobs, increase tourism and cut congestion.”  

“But to make this work we will need a cultural change that will see cycling to school or work as a routine part of most people’s lives.

“This may sound very ambitious now but we’ve shown in Wales that we can change behaviours and mind-sets quickly. Who goes to the shop in Wales now without their re-usable bag or consider smoking in a public buildings?

“We have a record of taking a distinctly Welsh approach to issues in Wales that reflects our own particular needs and aims.

“I’m confident that by taking this approach we will deliver our aims of making walking and cycling a safer, easier and more desirable option for the people of Wales.”

Also speaking at the “Wales: A Cycling Nation” conference will be Chief Medical Officer, Ruth Hussey and the Bicycle Association of Great Britain’s Executive Director, Phillip Darnton.

The conference, which is being held at the Pierhead building in Cardiff, is being sponsored by the Bicycle Association, the lead body for the GB bicycle industry and being organised in co-operation with Sustrans Cymru.