Abergavenny Cycle Group

Current DfT consultations.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inclusive-transport-strategy

Lots of interesting stuff about inclusive transport regarding trains, buses, cars, public realm, streets and yes a bit about cycling too. Quotes:

Shared Space:

8.11 While we consider CIHT and DPTAC’s recommendations and how to take them
forward, we are requesting that local authorities pause any shared space schemes
incorporating a level surface they are considering, and which are at the design stage.
We are also temporarily suspending Local Transport Note 1/11. This pause will allow
us to carry out research and produce updated guidance.

Objectives regarding Cycling:

• Update Local Transport Note 2/08, which sets out the Department’s guidance to
local authorities on designing safe and inclusive infrastructure for cyclists, to take
account of developments in cycling infrastructure since its publication in 2008 and
the responses to the draft AAP consultation and publish a revised version by early
2019;
• By 2020, explore the feasibility of amending legislation to recognise the use of
cycles as a mobility aid71 in order to increase the number of disabled people
cycling.

The A40 between Abergavenny and Crickhowell is a narrow, fast trunk road and totally unsuitable to cycling. This is a vital connecting route in the area, between two neighbouring towns. There are sections where it is easily wide enough for a proper, separate 2m wide cycle path, or a wider shared use path with pedestrians.

This is a critical issue if the Usk valley is to be made accessible to people riding bikes.

More detail on the issue on the ACG website: http://abergavennycyclegroup.org.uk/cycle-route-to-crickhowell/

ISSUE REPORTED AT ACG PUBLIC MEETING - 10 APRIL 2014

Crossing from Belgrave Road to Hatherleigh Road is often difficult due to fast moving traffic and no crossing infrastructure on the Brecon Road.

ISSUE REPORTED AT THE ACG PUBLIC MEETING - 10 APRIL 2014

Making right turns when riding east on this section of A40 is difficult due to fast moving motor traffic.

RAISED AT PUBLIC MEETING 10-04-2014

What would the merits be of putting a crossing further upsteam of Abergavenny, such as where the historic ferry crossing was?

RAISED AT PUBLIC MEETING 10-04-2014

The obvious cycle route to get to Gilwern Velo Park from Abergavenny is to join the canal towpath at Govilon. On arriving in Gilwern, the cyclist is faces with several issues: Poor surface of the canal path along Gilwern Wharf, steep access down from the canal path. No crossing point on Abergavenny road (without cycling all the way into Gilwern) and then a narrow de-restricted lane with steep sides and no verge leading to the turn into the outdoor centre. We would like to see many improvements made to allow safe access as part of the velo park scheme.

RAISED AT PUBLIC MEETING 10-04-2014

Apparently a route round NH Hospital was proposed once many years. There are many opportunities for the hospital to improve cycle (and foot) access.

RAISED AT PUBLIC MEETING 10-04-2014

The infamous missing link in the Llanfoist-Brynmawr cycle path (route 46) is a huge barrier to its safe use by children as well as those who find the steep section of the diversion route impossible to climb.

RAISED AT PUBLIC MEETING 10-04-2014

If the authorities are serious about expanding Llanfoist with new housing and de-trunking the A40 though Abergavenny, then they have to face this problem. A foot/cycle bridge, either just upstream of the existing bridge, or down stream into castle meadows would both be a solution, as would a new road bridge that would allow the old bridge to become single lane.

We all know that cost is the big problem here and that some of the options are not going to be possible, but we should campaign for some solution to be found.