Sustrans Cymru’s reaction to Prosperity for All, Welsh Government’s new national strategy for Wales

* Effort to tackle root causes of Wales’ problem welcome, but must be
matched with funding warns walking and cycling charity.

Welcoming the publication of Prosperity for All, Steve Brooks,
National Director for Sustrans Cymru said:

“The new national strategy for Wales is a welcome development and
should, if implemented correctly, focus minds within government and
guide policy and spending decisions.

“Wales faces a complex set of challenges in the coming years, and
Welsh Government is right to place a greater effort on tackling the
root causes of problems.

“To improve Wales’ prosperity and wellbeing, Welsh Government will
need to work in a new way and cast aside traditional departmental
boundaries.

“The new strategy identifies walking and cycling as an area that’s key
to Wales’ future prosperity and the well-being of its people.

“The first key test of whether Welsh Government will be this autumn’s
budget.

“Allocating more of the transport budget to walking and cycling for
example, will provide greater returns for other areas like economic
development and public health.

To deliver the new national strategy, Sustrans Cymru is urging Welsh
Government to boost investment in cycling and walking. This cost
effective investment requires minimal levels of infrastructure
compared to other transport options, and it delivers significant,
far-reaching benefits to the economy, health, the environment and
employment.

Brooks added:

“Wales’ world leading Active Travel Act puts us in a position to take
the lead and demonstrate how an increase in funding for walking and
cycling can pay dividends in terms of prosperity and well-being. Local
authorities and charities need certainty that Welsh Government will
continue to fund the implementation of the Act”

Re-acting in detail to the document, Sustrans Cymru welcomed:

* The promise of an integrated public transport network combined with
measures to boost walking and cycling; including a single National
Transport Plan and commitments to the South Wales Metro and North
Wales Metro;
* Ensuring regeneration builds community resilience and boosts
well-being;
* The commitment to support a ‘substantial increase in people’s
physical activity’ and ‘community approaches’ to encouraging more
active lifestyles;
* Measures to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.