“Getting people out of cars for short journeys and encouraging them to walk or cycle instead is a huge challenge for us.”
That’s the assessment of Lee Waters, Wales’ deputy minister for climate change, with responsibility for transport, after announcing a new £50 million investment in cycling.
The funding will see all local authorities receive a minimum of £500,000 with additional allocations awarded based on the outcome of an application process.
Among the areas to benefit most heavily is Cardiff, where funding for 2022/23 exceeds £10 million. This includes more than £6 million to continue the development of a network of cycle superhighways.
Lee Waters said: “This is a substantial investment and part of our commitment to making cycling easier so people cut the amount of journeys they take by car and travel in a way that is better for our planet.
“Getting people out of cars for short journeys and encouraging them to walk or cycle instead is a huge challenge for us, but one that has to be met if we are to reach our net zero carbon emission target by 2050.
“We need to make sure that we have the right infrastructure and routes in place so that people have the choice of cycling for their everyday journeys – we need to make the right thing to do, the easy thing to do.”
One organisation to benefit from the investment is Pedal Power in South Wales.
The cycling charity received more than £200k for its ‘See Cycling Differently’ project, which aims to increase the inclusivity of cycling through the provision of e-cycles.
Sian Donovan, director of Pedal Power in Cardiff, said: “Cycling is a fantastic way for everyone – all ages and abilities – to have fun, gain more independence and enjoy a sense of freedom which we know has provided a lifeline to many during the pandemic.
“We were delighted to receive funding from the Welsh Government to help us to continue to remove barriers to cycling so that it can be truly accessible and inclusive for all.”
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