The new section of cycle path from Tanybwlch to Llanfarian via Rhydyfelin is a huge step forward for cyclists wanting to ride into Aberystwyth from the South and is already being used by both cyclists and walkers before it’s even been publicised. It allows cyclists to ride into town avoiding the main road and the large hill at Rhydyfelin. This greatly improves safety and so encourages people from that side of the town to cycle in.
However, further inland, the usefulness of the section from Trawsgoed to Tregaron is severely compromised by a major diversion off the old rail line near Tynygraig and the fact that the path stops two miles short of Tregaron. This is a lost economic opportunity for Tregaron as it’s well documented how cycle paths bring money into an area.
The County Council still has a tendency to see cycling as a tourist activity whereas scores of local people cycle around Aberystwyth every day. Now that Aberystwyth has the Ystwyth Trail coming in from the South and the Rheidol Cycleway from the East, I believe the next step is to make the town itself more cycle-friendly.
However, further inland, the usefulness of the section from Trawsgoed to Tregaron is severely compromised by a major diversion off the old rail line near Tynygraig and the fact that the path stops two miles short of Tregaron. This is a lost economic opportunity for Tregaron as it’s well documented how cycle paths bring money into an area.
The County Council still has a tendency to see cycling as a tourist activity whereas scores of local people cycle around Aberystwyth every day. Now that Aberystwyth has the Ystwyth Trail coming in from the South and the Rheidol Cycleway from the East, I believe the next step is to make the town itself more cycle-friendly.
The photo shows Simon Leather of Llanbadarn Fawr trying out the new path