Welsh Government Deputy Minister, Lee Waters helped to officially open the latest off road cycle path which links a number of communities in Swansea – including Llansamlet, Winch Wen and Trallwn. Mr Waters was joined by local school children from nearby Cwm Glas Primary School, Swansea Council Cabinet Members and local cycle groups.

The latest section of national cycle route is one of ten new routes which have been created in Swansea as part of the Welsh Government's Active Travel Fund.

Swansea Council secured the £2 million in 2018 and has worked with local contractors to create the routes in strategic locations, linking up the new routes with existing cycle networks.

During the launch, Mr Waters, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport highlighted the benefits cycling can have to peoples' health and the environment.

He said:

“This is an important facility for the whole community – helping to encourage more people to cycle and also walk this route instead of using the car.

“Across Wales we have issues with obesity and also with the impacts of vehicle emissions on our air quality. Our broader plan is to get as many people as possible involved in cycling – helping people become more active and healthier, as well as improving the local environment by the reduction of vehicle emissions.

“The Active Travel programme is helping cities and towns across the country develop better and increased cycling infrastructure to make cycling a more realistic alternative to the car.”

Other schemes already completed in Swansea include a widening scheme of the popular promenade cycle track near Sketty Lane

New cycle track has also been developed at Ynsytawe where a 0.6km section provides a vital link between the community and Clydach.

Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure Management, said:

“This is a major investment in Swansea to provide a real boost to our existing cycle network.

“We have delivered a series of improvements during the last eight months, all of which help increase the existing cycle infrastructure in the city. Some of these enable the public to cycle from their community into the city centre without needing to be on the main road.

“I look forward to us being able to continue this work to increase cycling provision even further.”