To help us to better serve our members we have prepared a questionnaire which we ask you to complete. There are three ways to access it:

1. Go to questionnaire and complete it on-line.
2. Click pdf or word to download either a pdf or a word version . The former is suitable for printing and filling in manually, the latter for filling in electronically, ie by editing the form. Both versions explain how to submit it.
3. Pick up a paper copy from a Wheelrights member. (They were distributed at the Green Fayre.)

This map showing Wheelrights first thoughts on INM Swansea cycle routes, was submitted in September 2017. (Note that the routes are on p.2.) See the INM section on the Infrastructure page.

These were submitted in March 2017. This is Wheelrights and this Cycling UK's submission.

This map shows potential cycle routes in Swansea. It was submitted for inclusion in the LDP in August 2016.

Underlying the visit of Ben Hamilton-Bailey in January was the message that the Council should provide space for cycling in Swansea. This CTC video indicates what is needed, as do also the Poynton and New York videos in the "Models to follow" section on the Infrastructure page.

Click Wheelrights, Carmarthen Cycle Group or Sustrans for the responses of these groups (in the autumn of 2014) to the invitation to consult on this plan.

Wheelrights have responded to the various consultation opportunities; most recently in August this year when it was in force, ie the Bill had become an Act. Three documents, prepared by David Judd, were then submitted: Response 1, Response 2 and Response 3
On 2 April 2013 we responded to the draft Bill and before that on 9 May 2012 to the White Paper. The Active Travel Bill consultation and the White Paper consultation are our respective responses. This link is to the Act and associated Explanatory Memo (in the table under "Documents") and here is the original White Paper.
Our response echoes those of the CTC and Sustrans in that we strongly support the objectives of the Bill, namely to get people out of their cars. We welcomed the various measures proposed to facilitate this but pointed out the need for the document to be more specific in some areas - eg to not always bracket cyclists and walkers - and to clarify sources of funding. We like the principle that funding should be linked to how effective proposed measures would be in facilitating active travel. However we were concerned that the draft Bill was much weaker than the White Paper it was meant to enable and in our second consultation we asked for the Bill to be brought in line with the White Paper.

As early as 2013 Wheelrights lobbied for more space on the Hitachi trains, which (since late 2017) ply between Paddington and Swansea. Regrettably our recommendations were ignored and although the longer (10 carriage) trains can take 8 bikes, compared with 6 on the 125s they replace, the storage, in pairs in pokey 'wardrobes', is difficult to use and for the most part hard to find for lack of bike signs.
In 2013 and again in 2017 we lobbied Arriva Trains Wales (ATW), but no additional provision was provided. It remains to be seen whether Transport for Wales, who have taken over the Franchise from ATW, will do better. The 18 page report: Bikes on Trains, kindly sent to us by Sustrans and sent to ATW, provides a useful reference for good (and bad) practice for bike provision.

Swansea Council's Cycle Action Plan can be viewed/downloaded here.

With the local elections coming up in May 2012 we have drafted a Manifesto. It takes the form of a letter to send to candidates. This invites them to pledge their support to the following four objectives:

1. Develop more cycle routes so that the estimated third of Swansea's population who live within half a mile of a dedicated cycle route is increased to a half.
2. Ensure that new cycle routes, both on and off road, meet strict quality and safety criteria. And update existing routes where they do not meet these criteria.
3. Extend the exisiting policy of 20 mph zones in residential areas so that where possible these can link destinations - in particular schools. Integrate this with the development of safe routes to schools, universities and colleges, and places of work.
4. Promote cycle training in particular for school children but also adults.

Here is a pdf of the letter should you wish to view it or send it to a candidate.

Wheelrights, in collaboration with Swansea's Cycling Officer, have prepared a sort of mini-highway code to encourage cyclists, pedestrians and other users of the Swansea Bay path to respect each other. It is particularly aimed at kids and uses as a theme the old Mumbles steam train on which a boy with a bell warned pedestrians of the approach of the train. The code is in the form of an A5 poster with a picture of the train and a poem on one side with the code on the back. To view/download it click Shared path code. It is intended for distribution at appropriate events. Copies can be obtained from the Cycling Officer. Enquire at the Civic Centre.

Change4Life provides information about this National organisation which should be of interest to Wheelrights members and indeed to anybody seeking advice on how to benefit from a more active life style. Of particular interest to us is Bike4Life. This is a colourful 16 page downloadable document which provides a wealth of information to help you get cycling, including useful links.

Two events organised by Wheelrights in the June 2011 Bike Week are of particular note. (The description of the mass ride below applies almost equally to its repeat on 15 June 2013.)