Cyclists" anger at "lack of progress" (From Penarth Times)

Cyclists" anger at "lack of progress"

PENARTH cyclists have voiced their anger at having to "risk life and limb" on Cogan Spur roundabout to bike to work, amid claims of local government failure to deliver environmentally-friendly cycle routes into Cardiff.

Cycle campaigner Justin Lewis, a Cardiff University lecturer who lives in Penarth, said: "For years people in Penarth have been frustrated by the lack of progress on providing a cycle/pedestrian link between Penarth and Cardiff/Cardiff Bay.

"Cardiff Council has now banned cyclists from the Cogan Spur for a year, all to provide road access to the non-existent sports village. The Cogan Spur has never been a very cycle friendly route, but at least it provided the only link with good bike paths to the Bay and along the Taff into Cardiff.

"Despite the council"s environmental and cycling policies, the message seems to be "get back in your car".

Dr Dyfed Wyn Huws, Chairman of the Cardiff Cycling Campaign, said: "When the Liberal Democrats took over on Cardiff Council we were hopeful we would see change on account of their environmentally-friendly manifesto. So far there is no sign they will deliver safe cycle routes into Cardiff.

"The Vale of Glamorgan has a code of practice for carrying out written consultations.

"In relation to this junction neither cyclists nor pedestrian interests have been consulted, yet work has already begun. This contravenes National Assembly policies on consultation as well as those of the Vale."

Dr Huws also claims government standards on design have not been followed on this scheme - ie the Department for Transport"s Road Safety Good Practice Guide (1991) and the 1994 Contract (Design and Management) regulations.

He said: "The scheme has been designed to enhance the speed and volume of traffic flow but at the expense of ease and safety for pedestrians."

A spokesperson for Cardiff Council said: "Cycling restrictions have been imposed under a temporary traffic order for a period of 18 months for health and safety reasons.

"The council has acted legally in obtaining the temporary order. Highways officers are keen to work with members of the public and cycling organisations on this issue and are actively looking at ways of providing more cycling routes in the area."

A spokesperson for the Vale of Glamorgan Council said: "The design responsibility for the new traffic light controlled junction at Barons Court is in the hands of the International Sports Village, including the design of the highway engineering works for the project.

"The proposed works are wholly contained within the existing adopted highway area, and therefore no planning approval is required.

"The safety audits undertaken for the new junction will address the needs of all highway users including pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. The responsibility for progressing the safety audit lies with the International Sports Village."