Coronavirus: £38m announced for cycling and walking routes

Coronavirus has brought tragedy but also a "golden opportunity for change", the transport deputy minister says.

A total of £38m in funding has been announced to improve cycling and walking facilities in Wales.

Bike sales surged in lockdown as people avoided public transport for fear of catching Covid-19.

Economy and Transport Deputy Minister, Lee Waters, said he wanted people to leave the car in the garage following the pandemic.

Last month ministers said roads, public transport, walking and cycling routes would get £15.4m worth of improvements.

Combined with the new cash, the Welsh Government said it would be the biggest ever investment in healthy travel in Wales.

• Will pop-up bike lanes keep new cyclists on the road?

• Cycling safety: Passing distance signs a 'UK first'

• 'Your new bike won't be in stock until 2021' - the cycle search frenzy

"The coronavirus pandemic has completely changed our lives," Mr Waters said.

"Coronavirus has brought much hardship and tragedy.

"It has also presented us with a golden opportunity for change.

"More people than ever before are walking and cycling to work, visit friends and pop to the shop."

It is hoped people will stick with the healthy habits adopted during lockdown

Mr Waters said fewer drivers meant new cyclists had the confidence to hit the road without the car.

But as roads become busier as restrictions ease it was "vital" roads remained pedestrian and bike-friendly, he added.

Some of the new schemes

Ysgol Ty Fynnon, Shotton, Flintshire - £259,500

There will be a walkway over the railway bridge and a 20mph speed limit on King George Street, where traffic calming features will be installed.

An existing footpath and bridle path to the job centre, swimming pool and library will be upgraded.

Cilfynydd, Rhondda Cynon Taff - £419,000

Cilfynydd will receive £204,500 for a crossing on the A4054 Cilfynydd Road near a footbridge to Pontypridd High School. There will be a 20mph speed limit there.

Part of the walk along the A4054 Pontshonnorton Road will get new pavement.

Greenfield Valley, Flintshire - £247,500

There will be a package to improve walking and cycling links through Greenfield Valley to join Holywell with the coast.

Llandrindod Wells, Powys - £180,000

A cycle route on Spa Road East will be built to Cefnllys Primary School, with links to nearby housing estates and businesses.

Sketty and Mayals network links, Swansea - £1,877,000

A cycling route will be built on the Mayals Road and there will be projects linking Sketty Park Estate with Olchfa Comprehensive School and Bishop Gore Comprehensive School.

The Olchfa link which will provide access to a large area of Killay.

St Helen's Road, Swansea - £151,300

Speed limits will be introduced and better crossings. Current parking and loading rules may be changed to improve safety.

Cardiff - £2,773,000

Continuous routes will be built that keep cars and and people apart where needed will be built.

There will be cycle routes, footpaths, junction improvements, new surfacing, route widening, crossings and 20mph speed limits.

Neath Port Talbot - £205,000

Outside six schools 20mph speed limits will be introduced.