23/2/2009

An all Wales coast path, including provision for bikes, is planned for opening in time for the 2012 Olympics.

It is part of a plan launched by the Assembly Government today to get Wales walking and cycling in a bid to make the nation healthier and greener.

A four-year-blueprint ams to ease congestion, lower emissions and address growing obesity levels, said Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones.

Action will be taken to encourage people to change their behaviour when it comes to travelling to work or picking up children from school. At present only 39% of children walk to school.

Environment Minister Jane Davidson said, "I want to see this figure increased to at least meet the UK average of 46% by 2013.

"Only 10% of adults walk to work, and I want to see this doubled to 20%, again by 2013. I also want to triple the number of people who use a bike to get to work."

The Walking and Cycling Action Plan identifies a number of actions, including:

Prioritising walking and cycling in public transport investments

Encouraging employers to offer incentives to employees; for example through the tax free bike purchase scheme and the use of a mileage expense rate for cycling

Introducing National Standards for cycle training and supporting cycle instructor training

Ensuring that local authorities provide and maintain high quality routes and facilities for cyclists

Increasing provision of safe traffic free walking routes to schools and workplaces through continuation of the Assembly Government’s Safe Routes in Communities Programme

Using EU funding to improve the quality of the cycling and walking tourism product

Opening an all Wales Coast Path, including provision for bikes in appropriate places, which be complete in time for the 2012 Olympics

Implementation of Rights of Way Improvement Plans by all local authorities

Introduction of the Sustainable Travel Town project in Wales

Sustainable transport charity Sustrans Cymru is marking today’s new plan by launching a toolkit of advice, which is already helping staff at the Wales Millennium Centre to make their commute more active.

Ms Davidson said: "The truth is too many of us still opt to take the car when we could walk or cycle. The car is still king in Wales, with the majority of journeys being less than five miles long.

"This plan aims to change that. We want to enhance and link up cycle routes on an all-Wales basis and support communities to make a difference. Importantly, we want to change people’s behaviour and attitudes."