Cycling UK responds to Wales Active Travel Board first annual report

Reacting to the ‘Active Travel in Wales: First Annual Report (2023/24)’ by the independent Active Travel Board, published Friday 30 August, Katie Legg, commercial director at Cycling UK, said:

“Wales led the way with legislation to enable more people to walk and cycle, and the Welsh Government has demonstrated political will to try and make that happen. However, despite those efforts, we’re still not seeing the shift in journeys that was hoped for and needed.

“This report makes it clear that the problem is fundamentally about delivery. To turn admirable policy, political will and increased funding into outcomes – namely more people walking and cycling – we now need both national and local government to heed those recommendations and take all necessary steps to implement them.

“We’re delighted to see Swansea University applauded as an exemplary employer encouraging its staff to travel to work by bike. As an accredited Cycle Friendly Employer, it’s paving the way for other workplaces who strive to be forward-looking, taking care of their staff’s wellbeing and being conscious of their carbon footprint.

“There’s so much an employer can gain from their employees cycling to work, from increased productivity as staff are healthier and feel more alert after physical activity, to increased retention as they feel better looked after at work.

“That’s why it’s great that there’s real momentum in Wales for more employers to follow suit. We’ve seen increased interest in the Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation, including from local government. There’s so much that workplaces can and should be doing to enable staff to cycle to work and really maximise the potential for people to lead more active lives.”