The campaign hopes to assure newer cyclists that cycling in Cardiff is less dangerous than they might think.
New cyclists shared their unhappy experience with unexpected beeping from cars, and they are facing disrespect from drivers even though they have the same rights on the road. These experience makes them feel resistant to cycle around the city.
Stephanie Lau, a new cyclist, said: “I always felt that I am not in the right position when cycling on the shared path even though I have the right to use it, and sometimes it really scares me when cars or pedestrians are too close to me.”
“There was a time that a car wanted to turn right without making any light signal and just suddenly started horning at me just because I was blocking its way. This experience made me not want to cycle in Cardiff anymore.”
Cycling UK Cymru is organizing a Bike Week to ease their fears, and try to encourage more people to use their bikes as their daily transport.
“Cycling has a lot of benefits to our life,” said Gwenda Owen, Engagement Officer of Wales Cycling UK. “20 percent of pollutions in UK are from traffic so riding a bike can help to improve the air quality at the same time have positive impact to our mental health.”
Gwenda understands that sometimes the traffic system and the shared path will scare beginner cyclists around Cardiff, but she still thinks that the city is well on its way to becoming a really good cycling city.
“Over the last 12 to 18 months a lot of work has gone into the cycle network in the city. The council has done pretty well in advertising potential new routes and given us lots of chances to have our input on how the routes will work and where they go,” said Gwenda.
Steve Gabriel, director of Cardiff Social Cycling also agrees that the council has really put some effort into developing lots of new cycle lanes and improving some of the existing infrastructure.
Steve said: “The new cycle lanes are generally really good and keep riders separate from vehicles and pedestrians. Even the newer cyclists should be able to build confidence and enjoy the traffic free routes.”
“Though some of it is better than other parts and it’s not all fully linked up but it’s definitely a massive improvement from when I started commuting in the city only a few years ago.”
Besides improving the cycle lanes, the council also provides free training courses for the beginner cyclists to get familiar with the road situation to improve their skills and build up their confidence.
After building up their confidence, Gwen thinks that the last thing that beginners have to do before riding on the road is to invest in safety equipment.
“There is a confusion that bike and kit are the most important things and you have to have all the racing kit like the pro,” said Gwen. “In fact, when accident happens these can’t protect you. Therefore, from a safety point I always recommend a decent helmet.”
“The last thing you want to do is hit your head when you fall off, and even the most experience cyclists still do that so don’t panic if you do,” said Gwen.
“Just don’t take daft risks that could put you in a dangerous place and keep aware of your surroundings,” said Steve.