Improving access for walking and cycling in Carmarthenshire

Residents are being asked their views on improving access for walking and cycling in Carmarthenshire.

From Monday people will be able to make suggestions on Carmarthenshire’s Active Travel Network via an online map consultation.

The map will help identify opportunities to expand and improve the network and facilities, whilst also highlighting what has been done well.

Everyone who wants to make journeys on foot or by bike across our region, including those who don’t walk or cycle often are encouraged to have their say.

The council is also seeking input into sustainable transport measures in response to Covid-19. This section can be found on the consultation page.

Feedback will help to plan the Carmarthenshire Active Travel Network.

Carmarthenshire County Council Executive board member for transport, Cllr Hazel Evans said: “We hope as many people will take part as possible and give their views on the current infrastructure and to help us by pointing out what works well and what doesn’t. We also welcome any suggestions in response to Covid-19 that will enable safe social distancing and ideas to support the positive shift to more sustainable travel habits that we have seen during lockdown.”

Following the passing of the Active Travel (Wales) Act in 2013 all Local Authorities in Wales are required to produce maps of Active Travel networks. Routes are to be coherent, direct, safe, comfortable and attractive.

Councils have a statutory duty under The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 to develop, improve, and promote routes for walking and cycling for every day short journeys, like walking to the shops, walking the kids to school, cycling to work, or cycling to the station to catch a train.

Cllr Evans Added: “Day-to-day travel decisions have a real impact on making Carmarthenshire a cleaner, greener place to live. It can also be quicker than taking the car, reduce congestion, lower air pollution, and save money on fuel, running costs and parking compared to driving. It could also help to keep fit, healthier and happier.”

If it’s not far, leave the car, and walk or cycle instead.