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Cycle on the Senedd: Cycle lobby rides out to push for £20 per head spend

The National Assembly for Wales (Senedd) will see cyclists gather to lobby the Welsh Government to double investment in walking and cycling to £20 per head.

On Wednesday 2 October, people from across Wales will urge Welsh Ministers and Assembly Members to get serious about tackling climate change and devote double the cash to cycling and walking.

Transport the second biggest contributor to climate changing emissions in Wales, but spending per head of population on active travel in Wales is only half the amount spent in Scotland.

For comparison, Manchester is to invest £18 per head on cycling and walking. Cycling UK recommended £23.81 per head to keep the obesity crisis in check. There’s more on the topic here.

While the spend leaves room for improvement, the Welsh authorities’ reputation for backing cycling has been bolstered in recent years. In 2013, the landmark Active Travel Act forced local councils to provide routes and consider cyclists and walkers when planning new road and rail links. As part of a trial scheme, Cardiff GPs are prescribing free bike hire in what is believed to be a UK-first.

Cycle on the Senedd will start with a cycle ride from Pedal Power in Pontcanna at 12:20pm and head down the Taff Trail to Cardiff Bay, where the lobby on the steps of the Senedd will commence at 1:00pm.

There will be speeches from senior Assembly Members along with representatives of health and environmental organisations.

The event has the support of the British Heart Foundation, British Lung Foundation, Clean Air Cymru, Cycling UK, Friends of the Earth Cymru, Oxfam Cymru, Pedal Power, Sustrans Cymru, Welsh Cycling and as well as cycling organisations from across Wales.

Last year’s event saw over 200 people gather at the Senedd in support of doubling investment in active travel.