WHEELS are in motion to make Carmarthenshire the cycling hub of Wales.
It comes as Geraint Thomas puts Wales on the world cycling map by becoming the first Welshman to win a stage of the Tour de France.
The council has launched its draft cycling strategy and is inviting residents, businesses and third sector organisations to have their say.
The strategy has been developed in partnership with local cycling clubs, grass-roots groups and schools as well as representatives from Welsh Cycling, Sustrans and Welsh Government.
The aim is to make the county a magnet for cyclists from all across Wales, the UK and beyond; and for Carmarthenshire to have a cycling infrastructure that is the envy of the world; with aspirations to host a stage of a Grand Tour such as the Gran Fondo for the Giro d’Italia as well as the Tour of Britain.
The county already has a network of cycle routes that connect residential areas with shopping, employment, healthcare and leisure facilities with further improvements planned.
The Millennium Coastal Path, Brechfa, Cwm Rhaeadr and the Crychan Forest offer world class mountain biking facilities, while every type of road cyclist from the novice to the hard core enthusiast can be catered for on numerous different routes and trails.
Work is underway to refurbish the historic Velodrome in Carmarthen, set to become a nationally recognised ‘centre of excellence for cycling’, hosting Welsh Cycling sessions and National Track competitions.
Funding is also in place for a closed road cycling circuit at Pembrey, a UK standard facility that will provide a traffic free environment for training, competitive cycling and recreational rides.
Finally, the Tywi Valley Path is an exciting multi-million-pound project to create a major leisure tourist attraction for walkers and cyclists through the stunning landscape of the Tywi Valley between Carmarthen and Llandeilo.
Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism Cllr Peter Hughes-Griffiths said: “We believe we can make Carmarthenshire the number one destination for cycling in Wales.
“Research by Sustrans shows that leisure and tourism cycling on the National Cycle Network supports over 15,000 jobs and directly contributes £650m to the economy each year – this is a fantastic opportunity for us to tap in to this rapidly growing market.
“In addition, cycle event hosting could provide an opportunity to highlight Carmarthenshire on a national and international scale.”
Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans added: “Improving cycling infrastructure, connecting our rural and urban communities and pulling in large scale cycling events will work towards a healthier, better connected and more sustainable future for Carmarthenshire.”
To view the executive summary of the draft cycling strategy and give your feedback please visit ilocal.carmarthenshire.gov.wales and click on consultations before July 28 2017.
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