Young cyclists' views welcome!

CTC and Open MTB launched Trails for Wales back at the beginning of September, and with support from British and Welsh Cycling, has seen close to 2,300 people write to the Welsh Government in support of a responsible open access policy to the rights of way network. 

One of the reasons CTC launched Trails for Wales was to help make off-road cycling an attractive option for families. It's great the Welsh Government is calling for young people's views, and I hope CTC members and supporters will encourage them to engage in a process which could leave a lasting legacy."

Sam Jones, CTC campaigner

Cyclists currently have rights to cycle on just 21 per cent of Wales’ Rights of Way network – and that’s not on the most useful or suitable bits either. Trails for Wales is seeking to increase this access, and make Rights of Way, which are traditionally determined by the history of the path’s use, decided upon by suitability.

The Welsh Government is keen to reach all aspects of society for their views on their consultation, no matter their age. To this affect they have set up a simpler version of the consultation for children and young people to engage with in both Welsh and English. 

Unfortunately, at the time of publication, no responses for the youth survey have been received. CTC is calling on members to spread the word and ask their children to respond, and for teachers to consider discussing doing a response from their school. The survey looks beyond cycling, and appeals to a wide range of outdoor interests from hiking to canoeing. 

It's easy to fill in and submit. Depending on your language preference, you download an editable pdf in English or Welsh, fill in the blank boxes with your views and then send your response back to [email protected]. 

Alternatively, you can print the pdf and fill it in with pen and ink and send it to:

Landscape and Outdoor Recreation Branch Economy,
Skills and Natural Resources Group
Welsh Government
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion SY23 3UR

The consultation ends on 02 October so make sure you get your response in before then! Young people can also use CTC's online action in English and Welsh, in which case please make sure they mention they are responding to the young person's consultation.

Update

CTC has now set up an easy to use online webform which the under-18s can use to submit their views. All you need to do is pop in your thoughts, and CTC will do the rest and make sure the Welsh Government has everything in time for the deadline next Friday 02 October. 

Adventurer Mark Beaumont said: “It’s great to see the Welsh Government seeking the views of the next generation, as they’re the ones who will see the lasting benefit of an open access policy. I cannot encourage them enough to take part and make a real difference to the future of Wales and the UK.”