Map sets out 15 year vision for cycling and walking

A MAP which sets out the council’s proposals to improve cycling and walking routes across Carmarthenshire over the next 15 years, has been approved by Welsh Government.

It follows a number of public consultation events which took place last year where residents could view individual maps for different areas showing both current and potential new routes and discuss them with officers.

Residents were also able to give feedback online; and these views were used to finalise the main map – known as the integrated network – before it was submitted to Welsh Government.

The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 places a statutory requirement on local authorities to identify and continuously improve routes for walkers and cyclists and to prepare maps identifying current and future routes.

The Act aims to make active travel the most attractive option for shorter journeys and to connect key sites such as workplaces, hospitals, schools and shopping areas with traffic free routes and cycle lanes.

As well as meeting the council’s requirements of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, the map also ties into its long-term ambition to become the cycling hub of Wales.

Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “I am delighted that Welsh Government has approved our Integrated Network Map, which sets out our 15 year programme of improvements to active travel routes across the county.

“I would like to thank all the residents who took the time to give us their feedback as part of the consultation as this helped us to prioritise routes going forward.

“Our aim to make active travel the most attractive option for shorter journeys and to connect key sites such as workplaces, hospitals, schools and shopping areas with traffic free routes and cycle lanes.”

The Integrated Network Map can be viewed on the council website carmarthenshire.gov.wales under Travel, Roads & Parking and has been divided into the following areas: Ammanford / Glanamman, Burry Port / Pembrey, Carmarthen; Cross Hands 1, Cross Hands 2, Hendy, Kidwelly, Llandovery, Llandybie, Llanelli East, Llanelli North, Llanelli South, Llanelli West, St Clears.