Youngsters try out £300k cycle route
WORK to enhance a seafront cycle route in Porthcawl has been completed at a cost of £300,000.
Footpaths along the esplanade and coastline have been widened and new tactile paving has been installed, while there has also been some resurfacing, new signage and drainage improvements.
New ornamental railings have also been installed next to Cosy Corner, and four sets of bike racks have been placed along the seafront.
The improvements mean that a shared cycle and pedestrian route now runs all the way from Rest Bay to Sandy Bay.
The works were carried out by Bridgend County Borough Council using £300,000 that it was awarded from the Coastal Communities Fund.
New ‘Porthcawl loves bikes’ stencils can also be spotted along the route to show visitors the town welcomes those on two wheels.
Lew Chamberlain, vicechairman of the Bridgend Tourism Association, said: “Conditions have greatly improved for both cyclists and walkers and a number of banners and stencils have been placed temporarily along the seafront to promote the fact that we really welcome bikes here.”
The seafront cycle route is already being put to good use by local schoolchildren taking part in The Big Pedal, an annual event which challenges youngsters across the country to choose a more active form of travel by either cycling or scooting to school.
Big Pedal participants from the nearby West Park and Newton primary schools came together for a special launch event on the promenade to encour- age seafront cycling.
West Park Primary School teacher Mrs Kiernan said: “We promote active travel at West Park by encouraging children to walk, cycle or scoot to school.
“This new cycle path will encourage families to be more active since it will enable them to cycle safely all the way along Porthcawl’s beautiful coastline.”
Teacher Sarah O’Brien, from Newton Primary School, added: “From our school’s prospective, the cycle path has come at a perfect time as the family forum and ourselves are currently working on a travel plan to promote a variety of ways to come to school other than in a car.
“We have taken part in The Big Pedal for several years, and we’re hoping to soon install a new bike shed which would be a fantastic asset for our school.”