The Welsh Government has invested millions into a new Active Travel strategy, designed to encourage healthy and sustainable travel. The new strategy, worth £75 million, will fund walking and cycling investments as well as a raft of other measures including improved public transport and better travel safety.
The funding recipients for 2021-2022 have already been announced. Cardiff and Newport have received two of this year’s largest grants; Cardiff will receive £4.96 million for the city’s Cycling Super Highways, while Newport will get £8.88 million for the Devon Place to Queensway Active Travel Bridge.
Industry experts have welcomed the news. James Metcalfe, the founder and CEO of VOLT Bikes, said of the announcement:
“Across the past year, the number of electric bikes on the road has increased rapidly – the combined effects of concern surrounding personal impact on the environment, the desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle amidst periodic lockdowns, and the reduced-cost of e-bikes versus other forms of powered personal transport.
It is therefore imperative that the infrastructure of our towns and cities accommodates for this shift in travel habits. Creating safer routes and pathways will give past riders the confidence to get back in the saddle, and support new e-bike riders who are looking for sustainable transport options for both fun and commuting.
The establishment of the dedicated Active Travel Fund will not only be a boon for the growing UK e-bike industry but also for the environment, as well as the nation’s health and wellbeing.
As one of the first UK electric bike manufacturers, we have advocated for better cycling infrastructure for many years and we are pleased that this is being recognised by the Welsh Government.”