CYCLISTS have started to campaign for change after a petition aimed at tackling Cardiff’s cycling problems was launched this week.
The petition is asking Cardiff Council to adopt the London Cycling Design Standards by 2020, as one of its demands.
The petition, started by Ian Perry, also asks the council to provide secure and convenient cycle storage outside homes, segregated “cycleways” to a number of destinations and secure parking for cyclists at these destinations.
The petition claims implementing these demands would help Cardiff Council to meet the Welsh Government’s target of reducing the number of people injured or seriously killed on the roads by 40 per cent by 2020.
It also claims it would help to lower emissions, reduce the number of bicycle thefts and allow people of all ages to safely cycle to a number of places.
Nigel Pugh from Cardiff Transition, an initiative aimed at tackling climate change, said: “With cycling confidence is everything. Hence dedicated cycle lanes are a must as is ensuring visibility is not blocked at junctions.”
This is not the only group in Cardiff who are campaigning for change. A manifesto, collaborated by a group of different organisations, also asks for change.
Gwenda Owen, from Cardiff City Cycling, said: “We have got a manifesto asking for the whole package.
The manifesto was developed over the last year with the engagement of more than 1000 people and all cycling organisations.”
Cardiff City Cycling’s manifesto asks for a 20 mph speed limit for cars in areas “where people live and shop” as well as the launch of a cycling team within Cardiff Council and easy and affordable cycle hire across the city.
