Never mind cyclists, pedestrians count too

CARDIFF councillor Caro Wild mentioned that there was to be a concerted effort to clear leaves etc from the Taff Trail to keep cyclists safe.

One of the definitions of a trail is a “beaten path through the countryside”, and this is now taking on a significantly different interpretation.

It has always been for dual usage but there is no mention of people who use it for a leisurely walk. A recent ramble certainly made me aware of the number of cyclists who do not use it for this purpose but whose main aim is to get as far as possible as quickly as possible, and are on some occasions on a redfaced inconsiderate “mission”.

Off-road cycling wasn’t meant for speed per se so to flat trick these facilities means walkers are being marginalised, with the increased risk of accidents.They were not meant to be “rat runs”, maybe safe speeds should be itemised but that would be a shame environmentally.

She states that motorists should slow down and give extra space to cyclists on the road. I trust this sentiment applies equally to cyclists in their avoidance of pedestrians. This wasn’t my experience on the Taff Trail, where I was constantly “buzzed” by silent cyclists. Families with young children must be even more worried. There is an obsession with the cycling agenda, and maybe more thought for all users should be contemplated and a directive to those who want to exceed a sensible speed: go down the local velodrome. Windsor Davies Blandford