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A useful commuter route across the River Clwyd inspected by Steve Holt, Community Routes, and Chris Ruane before he became the local MP |
Denbighshire & Conwy Cycle Path News (March 2004)
On the cycleway front both counties are making good progress in the development of an integrated cycle path system which meets both leisure and utility needs.
In Conwy the construction of the link from Rhos On Sea to Llandudno via Penrhyn Bay has now been completed and has been built to a high standard with priority being given to cyclists at certain side roads.
CTC Cymru has submitted proposals for cycling on the Llandudno promenade. This long overdue concession to cycling is now very much on the cards.
The flagship Conwy Estuary Scheme from Llandudno West Shore to Glan Conwy and Conwy has now been given the final go-ahead. Click here.
Both these schemes were vigorously opposed by residents unhappy at the prospect of seeing bikes passing their front gates - seemingly cars were OK! We'd like to think the spirited intervention of CTC Cymru and supporters in letters to the press and attending public meetings swayed the day. Will the time ever arrive when cycling infra-structure is seen for what it is - a passport to good health for all and not a threat to civilisation as we know it!
Towards Llandudno town centre early plans have been prepared for connecting North and West shores to provide a link at each end to the National Cycle Network. CTC Cymru has again been involved in the early consultation and has submitted details of its preferred route - directly along Gloddaeth Street and Avenue. Together with the magnificent ride around the Great Orme this must surely place Llandudno in a leading position to compete in the growing UK market for activity holidays for all the family.
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A useful commuter route across the River Clwyd inspected by Steve Holt, Community Routes, and Chris Ruane before he became the local MP |
In Denbighshire detailed plans have been prepared for a comprehensive cycle path system at Rhyl linking the north and south of the town across the rail line.
Also there are proposals on board to convert the currently disused section of the rail bridge across the River Clwyd to provide a valuable commuter route between Kinmel Bay and Rhyl. This will complement the existing and planned cycle path infra-structure in the St Asaph Avenue area of the former.
The provision of a route across the river would provide an exciting vision of cycle paths along both sides of the river to Rhuddlan. CTC Cymru has placed on record its support for this.
Towards Prestatyn the main coast road has been reduced in width for safety reasons. In the process the pavement on the northern side has been widened to take pedestrian and cycle shared use. This will be a most useful commuter route which should become very popular for everyday cycling or as an alternative to the promenade when on-shore winds are blowing strongly.
At Meliden an extension to the Rhuddlan route now means that, apart from very short stretches, it's now possible to cycle virtually the whole way from Prestatyn town centre to St Asaph on dedicated cycle paths.
Staying with Prestatyn, a further stretch of the National Cycle Route has now been created across Prestatyn Golf Course to Gronant. Initial reports are very favourable. In due course this route is expected to follow the line of the River Dee towards Flint and Connahs Quay and thence onwards to Chester and the Wirral.
With hints of spring already in the air, why not start planning your weekend rides to take advantage of these new developments? The more people use them, the more paths we are likely to see in the years ahead - and the less chair-bound complainers will have something to moan about!