Wye Valley cycleway

Over the past few years Sustrans has been working with a wide diversity of groups within the Wye Valley in an effort to develop a range of quiet roads and traffic free paths aimed at serving the local communities.

Many potential cyclists and walkers are missing the opportunity of improving their health and protecting the environment due to perceived fears of heavy traffic on the roads. By developing such routes, that would also benefit walkers and wheelchair users, the potential for developing Safe Routes to the many schools in the area would increase significantly. There would also be benefits for adults cycling to work, visiting friends, or other leisure purposes. Some of the weekend visitors to the area may also be persuaded to enjoy the wonderful Wye Valley on a quiet cycle route instead of clogging up the roads and adding to the pollution.

The traffic-free sections of the routes being planned are generally low-impact affairs consisting of a three metre-wide path often built along derelict railway lines or on existing but slightly upgraded woodland or riverside tracks. All design details will be to the highest standards. These provide safe walking and cycling, usually along reasonable gradients, that can be used as a substitute for the many short car trips. It is incredible that around half the trips made by car in the UK are less than under five miles, trips that can easily be transferred to foot or cycle when given appropriate and attractive facilities.

Despite the minimal impact of such paths there are often a number of people who raise concerns. The Wye Valley landscape and habitat is very sensitive, highly valuable and therefore carefully protected. For this reason Sustrans has been commissioning environmental impact assessments to ensure that the routes would not adversely affect the local wildlife nor spoil the view.