Lmst

Something I love about #ActiveTravel are the human interactions - the smiles, hellos, and sometimes longer chats and getting to recognise and know locals. That's my kind of socialising ☺️ Better infrastructure makes that easier!

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:reu7q3altx5gsonhu5nxcfp6/post/3mftu2rkck22w

Attention Londoners. Delighted tonight to discover that #Islington Council is proposing to redesign Market Road in N1 - parked cars will define westbound lane; a raised track will provide eastbound equivalent.
There are also improvements to pavements, zebra crossings and bus stops, more trees with better beds and rain gardens to absorb water.
It also improves links between Islington and Camden. Get your comments in there. #joiningthedots #cycling #activetravel #London
https://www.letstalk.islington.gov.uk/market-road-improvements

🚲 edi.bike | issue 133 | 23rd Feb '26

City Scope launches new ‘Cycle Scope’ roadworks and route map; Cycling Scotland
infrastructure stats; Critical Mass this week, plus events, infrastructure, route closures & more:

https://buttondown.com/edi.bike/archive/edibike-issue-133-23rd-feb-26/

#bikeTooter #biking #cycling #cyclingUK #localNews #edinburgh #ActiveTravel #urbanism #scotland #newsletter

Looking across a wide carriageway in the wet, beyond black and white cycle lane defence bollards, past a metal fence and bare trees flanking parkland, to the snowy topography of the pentland hills beyond under a sky thick with grey winter cloud.

Email your State Reps. to let them know what bills you want to them to support and oppose this legislative session! With City Council lagging in creating safe streets, this is the best way to improve conditions for Chicagoans and all Illinoisans. #bikechi #chicago #activetravel
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/support-biker-and-pedestrian-safety-now

🚲 edi.bike | issue 132 | 16th Feb '26

Visitor Levy funds - ‘Compromised’ George St plans dropped; Cycling Scottish Election Hustings in March; plus events, infrastructure, route closures & more:

https://buttondown.com/edi.bike/archive/edibike-issue-132-16th-feb-26/

#bikeTooter #biking #cycling #cyclingUK #localNews #edinburgh #ActiveTravel #urbanism #scotland #newsletter

A stone path slopes away upwards under bare trees and a grey winter sky; the ground is wet and there is drizzling rain. To the right of the path, a well-fed braid burn tumbles by, flanked by foliage.

There is another issue - #HiViz isn’t actually that effective (particularly yellow against a green background). It’s classic “we need to do something and this is something” and does nothing about the hierarchy of risk #ActiveTravel

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:u6ajzyiqzkzbppp2x2y7fpfu/post/3mdfni447us2k

Police car demonstrating that hi-viz is ineffective

Amazing how politicians will be like “the market can manipulate peoples’ opinions and behaviours. The Media can manipulate peoples’ opinions and behaviours. Policy can manipulate peoples’ opinions and behaviours. But changing the streets to make cycling safer and driving slower? Pointless, nothing can change peoples’ opinions and behaviours.” #ActiveTravel #BikeToot

Thanks to everyone who has subscribed to my newsletter. It's nice to know you're out there!

Interested in joining them for writing and photo essays about travelling actively through life? You can sign up using the link below or in my profile.

https://www.mattpedals.bike/#/portal/signup #biketooter #cycling #activetravel #walking #hiking #photography #writing

Major revamp planned for Sandfields and Aberavon as council unveils huge active travel upgrade

The £multi‑million scheme covers a 4.7km stretch linking the seafront with Afan Way, creating a continuous loop designed to make everyday journeys safer and easier without needing a car. Council officers say the project will tie directly into the wider Aberavon Seafront Masterplan, bringing long‑term improvements to some of the area’s busiest routes.

The plans include upgraded footways, new cycle lanes, safer crossings, resurfaced roads, better bus facilities and a series of public‑realm makeovers at key community hotspots. A consultation has now opened, with residents given until 11th March to give feedback.

The council says the work is vital in a community where official data shows fewer than half of households own a car, making safe walking and cycling routes essential for school runs, shopping trips and access to the beach.

Years in the making

The project has been in development since 2022, when a study identified ten Sandfields routes in need of upgrades. Early engagement followed in 2024, with residents helping shape the first designs for three priority corridors: Princess Margaret Way, Victoria Road and the Seaway Parade–Handel Avenue–Purcell Avenue loop.

By 2025, the scheme had expanded to include placemaking improvements around Memo Beach Café, the skate park, Tywyn Primary School and Purcell Avenue, with drop‑in sessions held last autumn to gather ideas. Detailed designs are now nearing completion, and the council is preparing a funding bid through the Regional Transport Fund to begin construction in 2026–27.

Map showing the proposed Sandfields and Aberavon active travel route, including planned public‑space upgrades around Memo Beach, the skate park and Tywyn Primary School.
(Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

What’s planned on the ground

If approved, the scheme will deliver new and widened footways, resurfaced pavements and missing links such as the broken section near the Naval Club. Dedicated cycle lanes are proposed for Princess Margaret Way, with on‑road routes added to nearby residential streets to create a safer network.

Eight new Toucan crossings and five new Parallel crossings are planned for some of the area’s busiest junctions, alongside more than 50 upgraded uncontrolled crossings with dropped kerbs and tactile paving. Bus users would see new shelters and a relocated stop opposite Remo’s to support revised routes along the seafront.

Public spaces are also set for a facelift, with new seating, planting, surfacing and landscaping around Memo Beach, the skate park and Tywyn Primary School. Additional greenery and pocket planting would be added throughout the area to soften the streetscape.

Parking changes include new loading bays near Francos and Memo Café, extra disabled bays and a small net increase in overall parking along the seafront. Measures to stop pavement parking — including bollards, planting and double yellow lines — are also proposed.

Princess Margaret Way would be fully resurfaced as part of the works.

“A good balance of improvements for everyone”

Cllr Wyndham Griffiths, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Transport and Connectivity, said the plans strike the right balance for a community with low car ownership but high demand for safer routes.

“I strongly encourage anyone who lives in or visits these areas to have their say on the proposals which would offer improved safety and better‑connected routes, whilst also lifting the overall appearance,” he said.

How to take part

The consultation runs until 11th March 2026, with residents able to complete the survey at www.npt.gov.uk/activetravel.

Two face‑to‑face drop‑in events will be held at Aberavon Leisure Centre on Monday 2nd March (3pm–7pm) and Saturday 7th March (10am–1pm), where the project team will be available to answer questions.

Paper copies of the plans and survey are available at Sandfields, Port Talbot and Neath libraries.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Major overhaul planned for Llanelli’s Halfway lights
Another major transport scheme proposing safer crossings, new layouts and better routes for all road users.

Swansea’s future mapped out in new city centre plan
A look at the wider regeneration vision shaping movement, public spaces and development across the city.

Upper Afan Valley lined up for £20m regeneration boost
Long‑term investment plans aimed at transforming communities and improving connectivity across the valley.

Bulldozers move in as Aberavon flats set for dramatic revamp
Another key project reshaping the seafront, linked to wider regeneration and public‑realm improvements.

#Aberavon #ActiveTravel #AfanWay #cyclePath #cycleRoute #HandelAvenue #MemoBeach #PrincessMargaretWay #PurcellAvenue #Sandfields #SeawayParade #TywynPrimarySchool

Aerial photograph of Aberavon seafront showing the promenade, beach, green spaces and nearby housing.

Map outlining the proposed Sandfields Active Travel scheme, highlighting improvement areas near Memo Beach, the skate park and Tywyn Primary School.

🚲 edi.bike | issue 131 | 9th Feb '26

Dashboard of Delays to the Active Travel Improvements Programme; Barnton Connections Consultation Ends TODAY and Silverknowes ETRO Consultation Tomorrow; plus events, infrastructure, route closures & more:

https://buttondown.com/edi.bike/archive/edibike-issue-131-9th-feb-26/

#bikeTooter #biking #cycling #cyclingUK #localNews #edinburgh #ActiveTravel #urbanism #scotland #newsletter

A yellow roadworks vehicle sits parked on a section of closed pavement, next to a dug out section of footway; the works are surrounded by red and white plastic blocks topped with fencing. The trees are bare and traffic queues to pass at the traffic lights; in the background are looming sandstone tenements and the Summerhall buildings, under a bright but clouded sky.

#cycling
“#Cargobike delivery can ship goods in cities faster than vans, removing tonnes of #greenhousegas and easing congestion at the same time, according to a new study by #climate charity Possible and the University of Westminster’s #ActiveTravel Academy”
“If 10% of traditional van deliveries were replaced by #cargobikes it would divert 133,300 tonnes of CO2 and 190.4 kg of NOx per year, not to mention the reduction in #traffic and the freeing up of public space”
https://momentummag.com/cargo-bikes-can-deliver-faster-than-vans-while-providing-massive-benefits/

Spot the painted door zone for #bikes and spot the parking and travel lanes for SUVs. #BikeTooter #yegbike #ActiveTravel

A road with snow piled in the bike lane, which is just painted in the door zone, and the curb parking and travel lanes for vehicles completely clear

All the evidence is that #ActiveTravel interventions, whether #SchoolStreets, safe infrastructure or #LowTrafficNeighbourhoods have significant public health benefits. But so often they seem to be siloed as a “Highways” measure @triciaayr.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:evbq2cju2fvjn5or4aduubd5/post/3me73gd4kpk2t

Inca Jungle Tours offer an exciting mix of adventure and culture, combining trekking, biking, and jungle trails on the way to Machu Picchu. Experience diverse landscapes, hot springs, and authentic local communities while enjoying a fun, action-packed alternative route. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking adventure, nature, and unforgettable memories. https://pachaperu.com/tours/inca-trail-treks/

#IncaJungle #MachuPicchuTour #AdventureTravel #PeruTrekking #JungleTrek #ActiveTravel

And all of this could be improved by us entering the modern world with the introduction of a democratic form of local government instead of the undemocratic/unaccountable Council CEO system we have now:

#LocalDemocracy #Ireland #LocalGovernmentReform #Democracy #Irish #Community #Waterford #Democratic #LocalGovernment #IrishPolitics #IrishPol #DemocraticReform #Democratisation #Decentralisation #UrbanDesign #ActiveTravel #Urbanism #Planning #UrbanPlanning #WaterfordCity #Déise #Cycling #Bikes

A lot of this opposition comes from the fact that residents feel ignored when decisions are made by an unelected local government ('Council CEO' and Directors of Services who form the executive) - and I completely agree with Cllr Adam Wyse's recent appeals to improve democratic accountability. Changing Section 38 wouldn't be enough, as it still encourages elected councillors to oppose everything (as every councillor is effectively forced into being in opposition due to our undemocratic system of local government where they are blocked from being decision-makers), denies them any ability to form a democratic executive, and allows the Council CEO and Directors of Services to ignore public feedback without any cost.

Every other democracy in the world has 1 of 3 forms of democratic government structures:
A cabinet system with an executive formed of elected councillors - a Local Mayor and Local Ministers (like we and most other European countries have at national level, a parliamentary system)
A committee system with a series of cross-party executive Local Committees for Housing, Transport etc - this works really well in Scotland especially as it encourages cross-party collaboration and includes all democratic representatives.
A mayoral/presidential system, with a directly-elected executive mayor and Local Commissioners that they appoint, all held accountable by elected councillors. This system has been implemented in Limerick (to a minor extent, with the Council CEO renamed Dire

We currently have one of the most centralised countries in both the OECD and the EU, and are one of the only countries in Europe where votes trust their local government less than their national government (which generally holding relatively higher levels of trust for both due to our brilliant proportional and preferential STV-PR electoral system). Our unique lack of democratic accountability due to our undemocratic system of local government (which, once again, is distinct from every other democracy in the world, which has autonomous democratic local governments of one form or another) is a major reason for this.

Until the system changes to one where local councils can choose a democratic structure where they are elected to make decisions as part of an accountable executive, we will continue incentivising councillors to oppose any changes (because of a few vocal voters drowning out the majority with our individual objector planning instead of a majority participative planning system) and an unelected Local Government which is encouraged to ignore voter concerns and input.

I hope that everyone reading this can support local government reform to allow us to join the rest of the democratic world in having local executives which face democratic accountability. The UK has had a bad history of underfunding local government and centralising things, but implemented successful structural reforms in their local government reform of 2000 [full legislation here], which allowed each council to choose 1 of 4 structures (cabinet, committee, mayoral, and council CEO - similar to our current system but with the council CEO appointed by councillors instead of national government to improve local democratic accountability; this was later removed as an option because not a single council in the UK chose this worse system when given the choice).

Please consider expediting the creation of new safe and segregated bike infrastructure (inner ring road, urban Greenway to Tramore, and Cork Road) before there are any more casualties of cyclists and e-scooter users due to lack of safe infrastructure. People are always against roadworks and upheaval, but so rarely complain about infrastructure once it's completed and they see the results in terms of improved traffic levels, more freedom of travel, and better wellbeing. And please consider putting pressure on your parties and other councillors to support local government reform into one which is more democratic and trusted, alongside holding more decentralised powers.

More delays to Waterford City's Inner Ring Road Bike Path, supposedly due to safety concerns from those who haven't cycled for decades. Apparently, a 2-way bike path is 'unsafe', despite being best-practice all across Europe.

So I decided to email councillors (and unelected local government).

If you are similarly sickened by how much those in power are failing to improve our city, please consider taking a few mins to contact your elected reps too!

#Waterford #WaterfordCity #ActiveTravel

I hope you're doing well. I recently came across a Waterford News & Star article about yet another delay to what would be only the 2nd example of proper segregated bike infrastructure in Waterford City (after the embarrassingly-small 25 meters of bike paths on the Cork Road near Railway Square). Alongside the national Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael government giving us much less active travel funding per capita than the other regional cities (Waterford got just €9m, while Cork got €47m, Limerick got €19.35m, and Galway got €14.46m) - those in power are allowing Waterford to fall further behind while Cork/Limerick/Galway race ahead.

I honestly don't know how Waterford City can ever get better when any changes are constantly delayed as young people continue our mass exodus out of the city, to cities which provide a better quality of life (which includes more active travel infrastructure to reduce traffic, reduce cost of living - through not requiring ownership of an expensive car - and improve wellbeing). This latest delay seems to come from the uninformed perspective of current Mayor Seamus Ryan, who said:

“Why would we have cycle lanes going on the wrong side of the road? That, to me, just does not make any traffic sense,” Mayor Ryan said. “It's going to be unsafe for cyclists, it's going to be unsafe for motorists, and it's going to be unsafe for pedestrians.”

I am currently temporarily based in Valencia, a city famous for its great cycling infrastructure; please see below some photos I took the other day showing the 2-way segregated bike paths on one side of the road, as is the norm here and in many cities across Europe:

To put a finer point on this, a 2-way segregated bike path is the safest option, and is implemented as best practice by experts all across Europe.

As I highlighted in my submission at the time, the main issue with the plan is that it is not segregated enough at roundabouts, with such junctions being very cyclist-unfriendly without necessary adjustments - especially a raised zebra crossing giving constant priority to cyclists and pedestrians, as is the norm in cities across Europe. In Dublin, there was a recently approved plan for a cyclist-friendly roundabout, which follows best practice - of course, with a 2-way bike path on 1 side of the road the exact same design wouldn't work, but is illustrative of good urban design - Swords to Malahide route gets two walking and cycling-friendly roundabouts - 1st is the current inner ringroad active travel plan which clearly prioritises continued car access with sudden turns for bikes and pedestrians, and 2nd is the newly-approved cyclist-friendly roundabout in dublin:

Top photo of recently-delayed Waterford bike roundabout plan, and bottom photo is of the better newly-approved Dublin bike roundabout plan.

Diarycast - Lockdown Patently Workable (2020-05-10) - April/May news: more good PV generation, and active travel is getting some UK central-government TLC... #podcast #coronavirus #activeTravel - https://m.earth.org.uk/diarycast-20200510.html

🚲 edi.bike | issue 130 | 2nd Feb '26

Scottish Budget Spin, Smoke and Mirrors Hide Huge Active Travel Underfunding; ‘Monster Bikes’ Bill gets First Parliamentary Reading; Transport Committee Round-up; plus events, infrastructure, route closures & more:

https://buttondown.com/edi.bike/archive/edibike-issue-130-2nd-feb-26/

#bikeTooter #biking #cycling #cyclingUK #localNews #edinburgh #ActiveTravel #urbanism #scotland #newsletter

Longer, warmer, shadowyer days are coming… 🖤 @forestbike.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy #StreetPhotography #Monochrome #ActiveTravel #SharedMobility 🚲

#Oxford Marston #cyclePath update from
@marstonbikepath

The cycle track is still clear at the moment.Although I don't know for how much longer. Standing water in the meadows on both sides of the track.

--Rhodri

#cycling #flooding #walking #activeTravel

#ActiveTravel

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