CYCLING in Swansea city centre could be set for a further boost with proposals to create a new route through the main shopping district.
The proposals would complement the creation of a one-way cycle route along the Kingsway and help provide a circular route through the city centre. This would be the first time that cycling has been permitted in the pedestrianised shopping area.
The proposed route through the main shopping district is from the pedestrian crossing on West Way by the Grand Theatre then along Singleton Street, Plymouth Street, Lower Oxford Street, Union Street and Park Street to the Kingsway by Mount Pleasant Church. The route would then link with another route that’s already in place to the railway station via Dynevor Place, Grove Place and Alexandra Road. A further southbound route from the railway station to Kingsway via Orchard Street is also already in place.
Swansea Council recently announced plans to create a two-metre wide cycle track along the Kingsway when changes are introduced later this year that will include the removal of eastbound traffic along the metro track.
Cllr David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation, said: “We are continuing to look at ways to improve the cycle and pedestrian network throughout the city centre. This needs to be done in way that provides a safe environment for cyclists to travel.
“The work planned along the Kingsway to turn it into a one-way route has provided us with an opportunity to introduce a dedicated cycle route along it.
“Our latest proposals will also look at creating an additional cycle route through the city centre to provide two-way, cross city travel.”
The council has recently completed a 12-week consultation as part of the Active Travel Act which came into force in September last year. The act requires councils to map out, plan and continue to improve active travel networks that are used by pedestrians and cyclists.
There are around 50km of cycle routes throughout Swansea, including two national cycle networks.
A two kilometere section of cycle track has also been completed along Fabian Way, connecting the newly developed university campus to the city centre.
Cllr Hopkins said: “We’ve used a variety of funding opportunities in recent years to enhance the cycle network, particularly in the city centre where we are trying to encourage cycling as an alternative mode of transport for people coming in.
“Shared cycle and pedestrian routes have also been developed around the Marina, the waterfront and along Oystermouth Road as part of the Waterfront Connections scheme.”
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