Introduction and Summary

The National Assembly for Wales begins its work with a specific remit to promote sustainable development. Bold, innovative and practical transport solutions will be critical to meeting this objective. Such solutions are likely to arise from a creative partnership between the National Assembly, local authorities and specialist organisations with a track record in promoting sustainable transport.Sustrans, the environmental and transport charity, could play a key role in such a partnership. It has established close links with all the relevant organisations across Wales. Its distinctive approach and wide appeal, combined with policy support from government and practical help from statutory organisations, creates an effective force for action. The new powers granted to the National Assembly in establishing transport policies in Wales provide a perfect opportunity to build on Sustrans' work in recent years, to strengthen the organisation's presence in Wales, and to help establish Wales in the forefront of good practice in transport and environmental issues.The National Cycle Network, Safe Routes to Schools, Green Transport Plans and similar initiatives have already had an impact in Wales in popularising walking and cycling, increasing access to public transport, and in reducing dependency on the private car. The Wales Transport Advisory Group and the WLGA have recommended that the National Assembly build on this success. If such recommendations are adopted, there is an important role for Sustrans to play in helping to implement a sustainable transport strategy for Wales.To date, Sustrans' work in Wales has been mainly supported by the Millennium Commission. The Millennium Commission's core funding will end in the year 2000. This document sets out the case for continuing such work in Wales and for establishing a closer relationship with the National Assembly and local authorities. It outlines progress to date and sets out a strategy for developing new transport initiatives over the coming five years. The strategy aims to provide a cost effective means to meet government objectives through measures which already enjoy widespread popular support, including:

• • Transport
  • Accessibility
  • Economic Regeneration
  • Urban Renewal
  • Job Creation
  • Health
  • Accident Reduction
  • Social Inclusion
  • Environmental Protection

 Policy ContextThe National Assembly has the opportunity to build on a wide range of policy initiatives that link the issues of sustainability in transport with the emerging agenda for health, social inclusion, economic regeneration and environmental protection. There is a growing recognition that the need to improve access and mobility in Wales, and the need to reduce the threat of increasing car dependency and its associated problems of congestion, pollution and environmental damage, has implications beyond transport policy alone. So whilst Sustrans' future role in Wales is likely to be most relevant to the transport work of the Local Government and Environment Committee, the issues are important across a range of policy areas, including: -

• • Health & Social Services

Transport patterns have important implications for the nation's health and social welfare. Increasing levels of walking and cycling in Wales is a vital component in increasing fitness and reducing the health costs and mortality rates from disease. Accident reduction and improvements in safety are closely linked to addressing the balance between differing road users. Better links to public transport and wider use of the bicycle are critical to increasing the mobility and social inclusion for the 33% of households in Wales who do not have immediate access to a car, and for those who do not drive (particularly children).

• • Economic Development

As the limitations of road building as a generator of economic growth becomes clearer, the need to improve accessibility through public transport, walking and cycling is essential to the economic future of Wales. Tackling congestion, improving access to employment and centres of business, and increasing the attractiveness of Wales for visitors will depend on achieving sustainable transport solutions.

• • Agriculture and the Rural Economy

The changes in agriculture will require measures to bring new sources of income to sustain rural communities. This will depend on transport policies that improve accessibility within and between rural settlements, on land use planning policies, as well as the ability of rural Wales to benefit from the growth in Green Tourism.

• • Education

Reducing car dependency amongst school children is a central theme of current transport policies. A Safe Routes to Schools programme has strong support in Wales, arising from the work of the Wales Transport Advisory Group. The success of Sustrans' pilot schemes in this area stems from links between education authorities and highway departments to tackle this vital issue through working with schools and local communities and integrating the subject into the school curriculum. Sustrans has the experience to assist the National Assembly for Wales in implementing a broad range of policy objectives through developing alternatives to the private car. The key policy contexts include: -

• • The Transport White Paper (A New Deal for Transport)

This key document sets the framework for the development of an integrated transport policy. Walking and, in particular, cycling are seen as central to reducing dependency on the private car and encouraging the use of public transport. The policy endorses and builds on the National Cycling Strategy.

• • The Wales Transport Policy Statement (Transporting Wales into the Future)

This expanded the White Paper to address the specific issues facing Wales. It places particular emphasis on expanding the Safe Routes to Schools initiatives, and stresses the importance of the National Cycle Network as a key element in the future transport infrastructure.

• • The Wales Transport Advisory Group (The Transport Legacy in Wales)

As part of its recommendations to the National Assembly to develop integrated transport policies which are both environmentally and economically sustainable, the Group recommended that the National Cycle Network in Wales be completed by the year 2005 as a central measure to create a less car-dependent culture.

• • The Welsh Local Government Association's Recommendations (Integrated Transport -The Local Government Agenda for Wales)

To develop a modern, efficient transport network for Wales that supports the economy, promotes accessibility and social inclusion, supports the health and safety of communities and minimises damage to the environment, the WLGA recommend that cycling and walking are promoted as key components.

• • Rio and Kyoto Summits

The European Union and British Government are committed to achieving challenging targets for the reduction of greenhouse gases. Such targets will have important implications for policies to reduce CO2 emissions from road traffic.

• • Better Health: Better Wales

This report highlights the disparities in health within Wales, and identifies the key link between transport patterns and levels of fitness. Encouraging walking and cycling to combat sedentary lifestyles is identified as an important means to raise fitness levels.

• • The Road Traffic Reduction Act (1997)

The requirement for local authorities to review existing and forecast levels of traffic, and to propose measures for reducing the rate of growth, was initiated in Wales. The fact that nearly three-quarters of all journeys are less than five miles highlights the potential for achieving modal shifts away from car use.

• • The National Cycling Strategy

This outlined the approach to re-establishing the role of the bicycle as a means of transport, and set national targets to double the number of cycling trips by 2002, and to double the number again by 2012.

• • A National Walking Strategy

This recently published strategy sets similar targets for increasing walking for short trips, and places particular emphasis on journeys to school.

• • Local Transport Plans

Unitary authorities are developing Local Transport Plans in response to guidance from the National Assembly for Wales. These will include strategies for cycling and walking and for reducing car use, and are likely to become the foundation for delivering integrated transport policies in Wales.

• • Tomorrow's Tourism, 1999

The Wales Tourist Board is developing a policy framework based on the national tourism and transport strategy, which will build on the key targets for encouraging cycle tourism combined with public transport.

• • Local Agenda 21

Local authorities are developing plans to show how they will engage the public in support of the Government's commitment to sustainable development, and the principle that we should not leave environmental conditions worse for future generations.If this broad range of policy initiatives are to benefit Wales, the National Assembly and local authorities will benefit from a partnership with an organisation with wide popular support dedicated to delivering practical solutions on the ground. Sustrans is in a position to fulfil such a role. SustransSustrans (the name is derived from "sustainable transport") is a registered charity. It has been operating for twenty years, working on practical projects to reduce car dependency by encouraging people to walk and cycle more. Sustrans is active throughout the UK and in Europe. It has regional offices throughout the country co-ordinated from its headquarters in Bristol.Sustrans works to support local authorities and statutory bodies on measures to underwrite sustainable transport programmes. It draws on the active participation of 40,000 supporters throughout the UK, and enjoys close links with similar organisations across Europe and in North America.Sustrans' major project since 1995 has been co-ordinating the development of the National Cycle Network through financial support from the Millennium Commission. Sustrans has contributed to the Wales Transport Advisory Group, and helped to launch the successful Safe Routes to Schools programme in. Wales. In addition Sustrans has developed a range of initiatives aimed at reducing car dependency, promoting walking and cycling, and improving access to public transport. It works with Unitary Authorities, National Parks, and the key statutory and voluntary bodies to adapt transport plans and policies to meet the new transport agenda.In recent years Sustrans has been able to:-

• • forge partnerships between the Welsh Office, unitary authorities, development and marketing agencies and a range of other statutory and voluntary organisations
  • assemble funds from diverse sources, including the European Union, the private sector, regeneration funds, developers and the landfill tax credit scheme
  • develop a track-record in grant administration

 

• • provide up-to-date technical advice on design and construction of roads and paths to form coherent routes for walkers, cyclists and people in wheelchairs
  • assist the Wales Transport Advisory Group to develop its advisory document to businesses on formulating Green Transport Plans
  • negotiate and assemble land agreements to provide critical links
  • record and map routes to the highest standard to ensure the continuity and integrity of routes across unitary authority boundaries, liaising with Ordnance Survey to include routes on their Landranger map series
  • promote Wales within Europe as part of the EuroVelo project.

 The National Cycle NetworkThe National Assembly for Wales begins its work with a specific remit to promote The National Cycle Network is the single most important piece of infrastructure aimed at promoting walking and cycling currently underway in the country. It will provide a comprehensive network of strategic routes serving all parts of the United Kingdom. Planned to go through the centre of cities, towns and villages and to link settlements with the countryside and to provide access to public transport interchanges, the Network draws together thousands of individual local projects into a coherent framework.The Network is intended to give confidence to novice cyclists, and to greatly extend provision for walkers and people with disabilities. It is designed to cater for commuters, shoppers, school children, family cyclists and tourists, and to provide a memorable and visionary symbol of change in transport priorities.When complete, the 8,000 mile Network will extend safe, attractive, high-quality routes to within two miles of 20 million people.About half of the routes in the National Cycle Network consist of traffic-calmed urban roads and existing quiet lanes, and most of the remainder follow traffic-free paths such as disused railway lines and ancient byways. Many physical improvements to make the routes safer and more attractive are planned or underway. In addition a programme of sculptures, mileposts and distinctive features is in hand to reinforce the sense of place and celebrate the distinctiveness of communities along the route.The First Phase - To June 2000The first part of the National Cycle Network in Wales - some 800 kilometres (500 miles) of routes will be largely complete by June 2000, when they will be opened as part of the "Ride the Net" Millennium celebrations. These routes form the backbone of a network serving Wales, and include three "Millennium Routes":

• • Lon Las Cymru (Route 8), the Welsh National Cycle Route traversing the entire length of Wales from Holyhead to Cardiff and Chepstow.
  • The Celtic Trail - On Geltaidd (Route 4), running from Chepstow to Kidwelly, together with a key spur from Llanelli to the National Botanic Garden of Wales at Middleton Hall - the first phase of the western extension to Pembroke Dock and Fishguard.
  • The North Wales Coastal Route connecting Holyhead and Bangor to Chester (Route 5).

The National Cycle NetworkDeveloping the Network - 2000 to 2005In addition to the Millennium routes, a further 650 kilometres (400 miles) of National Cycle Network routes are already planned by local authorities to be completed by 2005. Construction on many of these routes has already started, with over 100 kilometres already in place. Routes to be completed by 2005 include: 

• • Kidwelly and Middleton Hall to Pembroke Dock and Fishguard (Route 4)
  • Shrewsbury and Oswestry to Llanidloes and Aberystwyth (Route 81)
  • Swansea to Builth Wells (Route 43)
  • Newport to Abergavenny via Brynmawr and The Heads of the Valleys (Route 46)
  • The Wye Valley Route linking Chepstow to Hereford (Route 41)

The initial cost of building these routes is estimated to be around £15 million.In addition to these national routes, a series of regional routes are being developed to provide a comprehensive network across Wales. Some of these regional routes are already signed and in place, but many more form part of Local Transport Plans and local cycling strategies. For example, in South Wales there is an opportunity to develop the Network to cover every major valley, with cross valley routes linking up all major tourist attractions and transport interchanges. There are also many miles of disused railway lines in Wales which, through the support of the Welsh Development Agency and others, can be used to develop these local networks.The Network will never be static. Existing routes will be continually improved as new opportunities arise, and further funding becomes available. For example, the Northern Snowdonia Transport Plan relies on developing a comprehensive network of routes to provide car-free access to the National Park. The Brecon Beacons Cycling Strategy is also now nearing completion. The Sustainable Parks in Wales Initiative provides important opportunities for developing such networks.Co-ordinating RoleSustrans is an organisation which combines the efforts of partner organisations to achieve change on a scale impossible for local authorities working in isolation. Through its work on the National Cycle Network and other projects, Sustrans has been able to: 

• • provide technical support
  • ensure coherence and consistency of standards
  • ensure continuity of routes across unitary authority boundaries
  • develop strategic guidance maps
  • attract large scale funding
  • set up management and maintenance arrangements to ensure the long-term quality
  • provide trained volunteer "Route Rangers" to help maintain and monitor routes and to ensure integrity of signing
  • promote the Network through marketing projects

 Cycle TourismThe development of the National Cycle Network in Wales will provide a unique opportunity to promote cycle tourism.Cycle tourism in the UK is currently valued at 635 million per year. Cycle tourists represent a growing and valuable tourist market for Wales, particularly for rural areas, and the potential for growth is huge.Cycle tourism is an environmentally sustainable form of tourism with minimal impact on the environment and host communities. The benefits include reductions in pollution and traffic congestion, economic regeneration and better health. Cycle tourism is particularly good at generating local trade - in pubs, shops, accommodation, local attractions - and the money tends to stay in the local economy.The National Cycle Network routes that will run through Wales are set to become major tourist attractions. However, they must be supported by thoroughly developed marketing strategies if the potential is to be seized.The South Wales Cycle Route Consortium has already established a flagship marketing project for The Celtic Trail funded from Europe, the Welsh Office, the Wales Tourist Board, local authorities and the Millennium Commission (until 2000). The consortium is a partnership between the South Wales local authorities, Sustrans, Groundwork Cymru Wales and government bodies.By 2005, it is estimated that some 200,000 cycle tourists will be using The Celtic Trail each year, and spending by users is projected to total up to 18.5 million per annum. It is expected to attract both domestic visitors and overseas visitors from Germany, the Netherlands, France, Scandinavia and the United States. It is also anticipated that as many as 1,000 new jobs will be created in the tourism sector.This initiative in Wales is seen as a pioneering example for marketing sustainable transport and tourism, and is acting as a model for the rest of the UK. Safe Routes to Schools Safe Routes to Schools is a project pioneered by Sustrans to encourage children to walk and cycle to school. The number of children cycling to school has declined rapidly in the last 30 years, to the extent that a generation is no longer aware of the potential for this universally accessible form of transport. By contrast, car journeys to school have doubled in ten years, now generating around 200/0 of peak-hour traffic. The resulting congestion, pollution and loss of safety compounds the problem, further discouraging walking and cycling. At the same time there are growing concerns for the fitness and future health of school children. Safe Routes to Schools projects encourage and enable children to walk and cycle to school through a range of related measures. These involve physical changes around schools, the creation of safe paths and links to the National Cycle Network, and measures to raise awareness amongst pupils, parents and teachers of the issues. The successful projects have involved Sustrans in bringing together the views of children, their understanding of their environment, and the resources of local authority education and highway services. The Welsh Office demonstrated its support for developing Safe Routes to Schools by committing £800,000 for 1999/2000 towards 14 projects across Wales. Such commitment reflected the exceptional level of interest evident from local authorities, from schools and from the public at large. Sustrans was closely involved in setting up the programme in Wales. It has helped the government produce the "School Travel Strategies and Plans" (a best practice guide for local authorities). In addition Sustrans has worked with schools across Wales to develop links to the National Cycle Network and to develop model approaches for improving safety. Gowerton School in Swansea is one leading example. Sustrans hosted the UK national conference on Safe Routes to Schools, as well as the conference to launch the programme in Wales, and has produced a range of bilingual guidance notes on the subject. It is a member of the government's National School Travel Advisory Group (STAG). If Safe Routes to Schools continues to expand in Wales, then there is a strong case for setting up a structure that could provide a resource to the National Assembly, to local authorities and to schools and colleges to ensure that this cost-effective and popular initiative continues to be successful. Green Transport PlansIncreasing road congestion represents a major cost to employers. The Confederation of British Industry estimates the current cost at E1.8 billion a year. In addition, companies are becoming more aware of the benefits from simple methods to promote fitness amongst their employees (the British Medical Association estimates that 20 miles of cycling a week can halve the risk of heart attack). A growing number of employers are now preparing "Green Transport Plans" to reduce car dependency for commuting and businesses.Sustrans is well placed to assist in this important area, and has already developed pilot projects with 45 companies out of 114 businesses contacted in South Wales (along Route 4 of the National Cycle Network). Close links are also being developed with some of the largest employers on this section of the Network, such as Singleton Hospital and the University of Wales in Swansea, University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, and Solutia and Orb Electrical Steels in Newport.Work on Green Transport Plans by organisations to reduce car use should be strongly supported by local authorities and by the National Assembly. The pilot projects prepared by Sustrans suggest that there is wide support from firms and employees for such initiatives, and once again Wales has the opportunity to lead the way in translating principles and policies into practical measures for change.  Links to StationsGreater use of public transport can be achieved cost-effectively by improving cycle access to transport interchanges, particularly to railway stations. Such links are key components of the National Cycle Network, and are themselves a useful means to signal change in transport priorities. Sustrans is working with Railtrack and several train operating companies on stations close to the National Cycle Network. For example, the restoration and reopening of the Hengoed Viaduct in Caerphilly has greatly increased accessibility to Ystrad Mynach and Hengoed Stations for people living on the opposite side of the Rhymney Valley.Improving integration between bicycle use and the railway network is central to Sustrans' work. The CycleMark scheme was launched by Sustrans in partnership with the Cyclists' Touring Club and others to encourage train operators to address the major barriers to greater integration.Sustrans has worked with the Wales Tourist Board to examine the potential for increasing the use of bikes and trains for visitors to Wales. Much remains to be done to maximise the potential for such integration, but it is clear that there is the opportunity to combine public transport, walking and cycling into an attractive and popular alternative to the private car.The Way Forward The National Assembly for Wales faces some challenging decisions surrounding the priorities for transport and the related agendas for health, social welfare and economic development. Nevertheless the policy framework from the White Paper and the recommendations of the Wales Transport Advisory Group present a -coherent framework for action underwritten by the principles of sustainable development.The work by Sustrans in Wales demonstrates how a voluntary organisation can act as a catalyst for action by national, regional and local government. It has shown how transport initiatives can draw matching funds into Wales from a wide range of sources, and how public perceptions can be changed.In setting out its programme for the next five years, the National Assembly has the opportunity to deliver a range of actions which would build on Sustrans' initiatives. These could include: 

• • The completion of the National Cycle Network in Wales by 2005
  • A pan Wales scheme for marketing cycle tourism with all relevant partners
  • The expansion of the Safe Routes to Schools programme to cover each education authority in Wales, extending by 2005 to cover every school over a given size
  • The setting up of Green Transport Plans by all major employers across Wales
  • Completion of the programme to improve pedestrian and cycle access to every railway station serving Wales as part of the Local Transport Plans of each unitary authority

 Cycle TourismSustrans has the experience and expertise to work with the National Assembly, local government and other partners in the delivery of such a programme.However, in order to continue working effectively in Wales, Sustrans needs support from the National Assembly to cover the core costs of the organisation, after Millennium Commission funding runs out. Sustrans would like to strengthen its presence in Wales by establishing a small national office in Cardiff, to work closely with the National Assembly, and small regional offices in North, Central, West and South Wales.This would allow a continuing policy input and a co-ordination role for sustainable transport initiatives throughout Wales. In addition, a continued presence by Sustrans in North, Mid and in West Wales will ensure that the particular success of South Wales is replicated in the other regions. Finally, the critical role of marketing and development of the National Cycle Network calls for continued support for the work of the small team building on the work of the South Wales Cycle Route Consortium.Sustrans, with support from the Millennium Commission and charitable resources, has been able to make an important contribution to transport, to tourism, and to the environment in Wales. The National Assembly has the opportunity to ensure that such work can continue and expand in Wales in the new century. ReferencesBetter Health, Better Wales, Welsh Office, 1998 (Cm 3922)A Better Quality of Life: A Strategy for Sustainable Development for the UK, DETR, May 1999Bikes on Trains: Time for Change. A Report for the Wales Tourist Board. TRACKS Consultancy Services. July 1997Cycling Opportunities: Making the most of the National Cycle Network. Sustrans. Les Lumsdon. Sept 1996The Government of Wales Act 1998, Section 121Integrated Transport -The Local GovernmentAgenda for Wales. WLGA, 1999Marketing Strategy for The Celtic Trail. TRACKS Consultancy Services, April 1998. Celtic trail Marketing Office (01792 781212)National Conference on Sustainable Development. Welsh Office. Conference Report 15 Feb 1999The National Cycling Strategy. DoT 1996The National Travel Survey, 1994 - 1997A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone. The Government's White Paper on the Future of Transport. DETR, July 1998Pathways to Prosperity-A New Economic Agenda for Wales. Welsh Office, 1998Road Transport and Health. British Medical Association, 1997SACTRA: Transport and the Economy, August 1999School Travel; Strategies and Plans. DETR/DfEE, June 1999Stepping Out: A Strategy to Encourage Walking. DETR, 1999Tomorrow's Tourism: The Government's Strategy for Tourism. Department of Culture, Media and Sport, 1999The Transport Legacy in Wales. Welsh Transport Advisory Group. March 1999Transporting Wales into the Future: Welsh Transport Policy Statement. Welsh Office, 1998