Contact/Cyswllt: Sian Cliff
02920 898342 / sian.cliff@wales.gov.uk

Mick Bates AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Environment, has added his voice to the many in support of a petition submitted to the Assembly Petitions Committee by leading sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

The petition calls on the National Assembly to seek power through a Legislative Competence Order to ‘place a duty on the Assembly Government to develop and maintain a network of traffic free shared use paths for walkers, cyclists and disabled people across Wales.’ Mick has joined a wide number of organisations including Friends of the Earth Cymru, WWF Cymru and Royal Mail who are all lobbying in support of this issue.

“I am very pleased to support this petition. I have worked with Sustrans in my constituency on many occasions and the work that they undertake to combat transport challenges across Wales is invaluable.

“Improving the network of walking and cycling paths across Wales is hugely important. Over a tenth of our carbon emissions come from cars so there are huge environmental benefits to reducing car usage.

“Cycling and walking also help keep us fit and healthy and with 60% of adults forecast to be clinically obese within 40 years, more sustainable forms of transport will have very positive effects on our health.

“There must be an adequate alternative if we are to encourage behavioural change – this alternative demands better maintenance of the current cycle network as well as the development of more off-road paths and better facility for safe use of highways.

“The proposed LCO is a crucial step forward and I fully support the petition presented by Sustrans. This issue must not be side-saddled by a complacent Labour-Plaid Government - they must take responsibility for improving our traffic-free paths if they are really serious about promoting a healthy, sustainable future for the people of Wales.”


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