£300k seafront cycle path finished

WORK to enhance a seafront cycle route has been completed at a cost of £300,000.

Footpaths along the esplanade and coastline at Porthcawl 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 the town’s 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, vice-chairman 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 encourage seafront cycling.