The valley cycling network will receive a £7.6million boost towards its completion it was announced today.
Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones said the investment will complete the £16million cycling and walking network in the South Wales Valleys benefiting residents and tourists alike.
The money will see former tramways, towpaths and railways be transformed over the next three years to provide 100 miles of new walking and cycling routes stretching from Abergavenny to the Carmarthenshire coast.
The money will also be used to enhance more than 250 miles of existing routes in the Valleys.
This will improve walking and cycling opportunities for people across Pontypool, Pontypridd, Llantrisant and Merthyr Tydfil. It is hoped the scheme will provide attractive alternatives to car journeys thereby cutting congestion and reducing carbon emissions.
The new network will also link existing routes in Ebbw, Swansea, Llynfi, Ely Valleys and will bring the National Cycle Network to within two miles of a further 636,000 people.
Mr Jones said: “We are committed to encouraging more cycling and walking throughout Wales, helping people to reduce car journeys and provide them with healthy and cost effective access to employment and training opportunities.
“This project will bring immense benefits to the health and well-being of people in the South Wales Valleys and to the environment of the area by reducing emissions caused by car use.”
Led by the sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, the project will receive £3.5million from the Convergence European Regional Development Fund, £3million from the Assembly and support from the Big Lottery Fund.
This adds to the previously allocated £3.2 million from the Assembly’s Heads of the Valleys Project and £5million from the Valleys Partnership Valleys Regional Park project.
South Wales Argus, Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Find out more about walking and cycling in Swansea Bay, take a look at our Sport and Activities page.
