Training being offered to curb ‘irresponsible’ cyclists in Cardiff

Cardiff council is to offer adult cycle classes this spring at local leisure centres following complaints about speeding cyclists from other shared path users, reports the BBC.

One pedestrian – also a cyclist – complained after his puppy suffered two broken leg bones on the Taff Trail shared path caused by a speeding cyclist. While stressing he was in favour of cycling on the trail, he said the path had to be used responsibly.

Sustrans echoed those sentiments while lobbying the Welsh Assembly for a Code of Conduct to be included as part of the Active Travel (Wales) Bill.

The charity’s national director Lee Waters commented: "Our report highlights the clear evidence that a comprehensive walking and cycling network will provide benefits for everyone in Wales. Providing a fully separate network will not only be costly, it could actually lead to many people with disabilities become isolated from friends and family.

"Those on bikes, however, need to remember that these paths are not a race track. We support a Code of Conduct for these routes that will raise awareness of the needs of people with disabilities and calls people to give way to the slowest users of the paths."

Speaking specifically about the Taff Trail, Sustrans Cymru’s policy offer Matt Hemsley told the BBC: "You have to ask why cyclists are using pavements and shared paths like the Taff Trail – is it because they don’t feel safe on the roads? More safe routes are needed."