Calls to address the gaps in cycling provision in the Newtown area have been raised with the Welsh Government by Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George.
The Mid Wales AM has called for any additional “Geraint Thomas” windfall in strategic support and financial resource following the Welshman’s success at this year’s Tour de France to be spent on improving cycling facilities in Mid Wales.
In February 2017, the Welsh Cycling’s Facilities Strategy noted that the “biggest gaps in provision” for cycling facilities are “around Newtown” with “several very proactive clubs, but no facility under an hour’s travel time away."
It also recommended that closed road circuits are located in the Newtown area.
Mr George said: “Earlier this year I had constituents come to me pointing out comments in the Welsh Cycling facilities strategy in regards to priorities for cycling facilities in Newtown and Mid Wales.
“The document recommended that a closed road circuit should be located in certain areas of Wales, and Newtown was specifically mentioned. I was pleased to ask the Minister with responsibility for Sport to provide funding to allow the aspirations in the strategy to become a reality.
“In spite of a large population and some proactive cycling clubs in the area, there are no cycling facilities within an hour’s drive of Newtown.
Hafren Club Member, Paul Coackley, added: “Cycling is thriving in this area with the Hafren cycling club growing in senior, junior and women's section in association with British Cycling's Breeze programme.
"In addition Powys is a tremendous destination for cycling tourists. We need facilities to support this growth, provide fitting opportunities for our young people and make Welsh Cycling's plans for the area become a reality.”
Photo: Competitive cyclists passing through Newtown (©Owain Betts)
