‘Superhighway’ cycle plan for parks
... BUT CONSERVATION GROUP FURIOUS OVER BEAUTY SPOT PROPOSAL
CONSERVATION groups have expressed alarm at plans to build a “cycle superhighway” through Cardiff’s city centre parks, saying it would destroy the area’s tranquillity.
Cardiff council is developing a plan aimed at persuading people to cycle to work rather than drive.
Les Mills and Joanna Quinn of the Bute Parks Alliance recently met council officials to discuss the proposals, which include three options for widening paths on both sides of the River Taff.
In a joint statement, Mr Mills and Ms Quinn said: “The plans presented to us at the meeting seem to be an attempt to alleviate and circumvent ‘the temporary problems’ at Sophia Gardens.
“They are unnecessarily expensive, absurdly cumbersome and impractical but worst of all they will rob the area of yet more precious green spaces and probably result in the felling of very mature trees.
“The proposal to introduce fourmetre-wide paved cycle roadways is particularly outrageous – four metres is the width of the road running from the riding school to Western Avenue – two cars pass each other easily at this width.
“The average width of paths in the park at present is roughly two metres with the exception of Lime Avenue which in reality is a road.
“Cycles have no difficulty in passing each other on two-metre-wide paths.”
Nerys Lloyd-Pierce, who chairs Cardiff Civic Society, said: “These plans are very worrying. Our city centre parks are havens of tranquillity that must be preserved for future generations.”
A Cardiff council spokesman said: “The council has recently held a meeting with interested parties to discuss the early plans to improve cycling in the city and the surrounding areas.
“We do have plans to make Cardiff the UK’s leading cycling city and we have already released plans on the first phase of our segregated cycle network.
“There is no doubt that Bute Park and associated parks will play an increased role in the future for cyclists and it is essential that the infrastructure that is put in place is fit for purpose and can accommodate future growth and the ever increasing number of people who are choosing to cycle.
“Our plans to develop four cycleway routes, including the cycleway between Western Avenue and Cowbridge Road East via Sophia Gardens, were consulted on in 2017.
“Further detailed consultation on the design of this scheme will take place in the new year.
“There will be no trees removed as part of the development of the cycleway and the new route will relieve pressure on existing routes and supports our aim to develop sustainable access to the city’s green spaces.
“This is the first stage of the route to connect to the new developments along Llantrisant Road and is vital infrastructure to improve sustainable travel.
“The improvements will provide a fantastic and safe cycling opportunity which is designed to encourage people to cycle and will service the new developments in the north west of the city.”
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