New walking and cycling routes added to Swansea’s network

SWANSEA Council has put the finishing touches to a number of routes, adding to the city’s growing network of safe walking and cycling infrastructure.

Among the latest routes to be completed is a 2.8km off-road route between Penllergaer and Gorseinon. The route travels along the main road between the two communities (Gorseinon Road) and provides the missing link between previously completed routes, directly into Morriston, from Junction 47 (M4), along the A48 and also linking routes between Gorseinon and Kingsbridge/Gowerton.

A route with newly installed pavements is also now in place along Ynysallan Road and gives residents living in nearby Parc Bryn Heulog, near Birchgrove better access to the wider communities after living with no pavement provision for many years.

The completed scheme now means residents exiting Herbert Thomas Way can make their way in the opposite direction, to Ynystawe, on a bike or on foot.

Parents living in the location who have children attending schools in Ynystawe will now finally be able to walk and cycle instead of using a car.

Both new schemes are part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to expand the provision of walking and cycling routes across Swansea and are funded via the Welsh Government Active Travel programme.

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “This is great news for everyone that wants the option of walking and cycling to get about their community.

“Each year we are adding to our ever-expanding network of walking and cycling infrastructure, providing safe off road routes for families to make use of and stay healthy.

“Our focus is not simply about providing cycle infrastructure within a community – it is making sure that we link up neighbouring communities, so that eventually, the public can travel anywhere in Swansea on a bike or on foot.

“The latest routes to be completed provide vital links between communities, offering safe travel options for everyone.”

Future Active Travel schemes in the pipeline also include early designs for a city centre route along Walter Road/Sketty Road.

Cllr Stevens added: “The city centre is a key destination for many travelling from communities in Swansea and we want to give the public options for how they get there.

“The latest plans for Walter Road and Sketty Road could provide us with the opportunity to create a dedicated cycle track into the city centre for residents living in Uplands, Sketty and further afield.”