The Welsh Government has announced that it has plans to invest millions of pounds to encourage residents to get into cycling, in order to help meet their net zero goals, as announced by Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters.
The £50 million worth of investment will help create cycling routes as a way of getting people away from their cars to help achieve the wider goal of net zero carbon emissions.
Lee Waters, the Deputy Climate Change Minister, said:
“This is a substantial investment and part of our commitment to making cycling easier, so people cut the amount of journeys they take by car and travel in a way that is better for our planet.
We need to make sure that we have the right infrastructure and routes in place so that people have the choice of cycling for their everyday journeys – we need to make the right thing to do, the easy thing to do.”
One organisation that will benefit from the investment is Pedal Power in South Wales. Pedal Power is a cycling charity that, as part of a series of Welsh Government e-bike pilot schemes, was given £210,000 to aid its ‘See Cycling Differently’ project. This project aims to make cycling more inclusive by offering a range of e-bikes to people and, thanks to the funding, was able to expand its e-bike fleet.
Sian Donovan, Director of Pedal Power, said:
“Cycling is a fantastic way for everyone - all ages and abilities – to have fun, gain independence and enjoy a sense of freedom which we know has provided a lifeline to many during the pandemic.”
Part of the investment will see all local authorities receive at least £500,000, with further funding becoming available following the application process.
