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A470 Layby and viewing point. The route follows the Afon Conwy riverside around the RSPB Nature Reserve to Conwy Cob in the far distance. Cycle access is being denied from this direction |
Conwy Estuary Strategic Route
Glan Conwy Cycle Link opposed by Welsh Assembly Highways Dept.
In a decision likely to anger both residents of Llansanffraith Glan Conwy and visitors wishing to cycle in safety to this delightful Conwy Valley village, the Welsh Assembly Highways Department has refused to agree to the Estuary cycle route linking to the A470 picnic area/ car park on the outskirts of Glan Conwy, as proposed by Conwy CBC. This can be seen as yet another example of the Assembly's lack of support for cycling, and it being too ready to find excuses for denying cycle access. CTC Cymru has yet to see the details of the decision, but 'safety' will no doubt be an excuse. No mention of the hazards facing cyclists using the Black Cat roundabout, which would be avoided for many journeys if the estuary route was given the all clear for cycling.
Supporters of the cycling link to Glan Conwy, which includes local councillors, argue the A470 30mph restriction zone should be moved closer to the Black Cat roundabout, thereby slowing traffic in the vicinity of the layby. Currently, accelerating traffic approaches from both directions.
It is government policy to encourage a healthy growth in cycling. This cannot be achieved unless space, both geographical and political, is made.
How the Welsh Assembly handles this issue will illustrate graphically how seriously we should take its policy to reduce our dependency on cars, and get as many journeys as possible on to bicycles.
CTC Cymru will be making strong representations to the Minister responsible.
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A470 Layby and viewing point. The route follows the Afon Conwy riverside around the RSPB Nature Reserve to Conwy Cob in the far distance. Cycle access is being denied from this direction |
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A470 from the layby in the direction of Black Cat roundabout. |
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Glan Conwy resident Tom Buckley (left) would be keen to cycle to Ysgol Aberconwy if the link was constructed. Geraint Hughes (12) and his cousin Marc Griffiths cycle to Llandudno Junction, but find the traffic around Black Roundabout quite frightening. |
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It is RSPB policy to encourage sustainable transport access to their reserves. Les & Mandy Jones will be grateful for an alternative to the three white knuckle expressway roundabouts they currently have to endure near Tesco supermarket, Llandudno Junction. |
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| Cycle Route Champions. Conwy County Cllrs Graham Rees & Gareth Jones are determined that Glan Conwy will not be denied cycle access to the Conwy Estuary Route due to highway regulations, which should be responsive to changing local conditions and needs. Cllr Rees has lodged a complaint against Welsh Assembly Highways. Photo North Wales Weekly News |
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View from a turret of Conwy Castle. The A470 layby is on the extreme right of the picture. If this was accessible by bicycle, it would provide a continuous traffic-free cycling route to Glan Conwy from both Llandudno West Shore and Conwy Town Centre |