It was a lovely sunny day and as a family we all decided it would be nice to cycle from Deganwy to Llandudno along the cycle route. We parked the car, unpack our gear and set off. Not very far.
In front of us was a sea defence, a approximate 2 foot high steel gate padlocked. We all got off our bikes and I lifted them over the gate and we set off once again on our journey. Thinking why didn't they not put in a ramp instead of a locked gate as this prevents not only able-bodied people, but anybody who has trouble with walking or in a wheelchair or even people pushing a pram.
The next thing we came across was a sign “Terminal Point of the Definitive Right of Way”. Now I can only imagine that this refers to the end of the public right of way, because directly after it starts the cycle route. So, if there is a right of way then why is there a large steel gate preventing some people from getting access.
Next we were on the cycle route all was going well. We were making a concerted effort not to run over any dog shit, of which there was plenty and this I don't blame the Council. I don't blame the dog. I do blame the dog owners.They even put it in plastic bags and then leave the plastic bag standing proudly ready for someone to stand on it. Perhaps someone should leave a pile of poo on their drive or path and maybe they might get the idea.
On we went then suddenly no more cycling the cycle path ahead was blocked with sand that had been blown down from the sand dunes or off the beach. There have been attempts successfully to prevent the sand from collecting on the cycle path by the erection of windbreakers and fencing, but in the areas that were not sheltered it was impossible to cycle along and as for pushchairs and prams, I pity the person pushing. The Council had come along and cleared some sections but the sand looked as if it had just been dumped by the side of the cycle path ready to be blown back again over the very same spot. Perhaps if it was moved or more windbreakers installed it may not sand over so quickly.
After a bit of a hard walk through the sand pushing the bikes, we were back on our bikes again heading towards the car park at West Shore to look at the plan of Llandudno to see where we were to cycle next. But nothing, there was nothing marked on the map that was the continuation of the so-called national cycle route. So we turned round and went back.
On a later investigation by driving through Llandudno in the car, It appears that the cycle route starts or ends near the paddling pool on the promenade at Craig y Don. So how would you get from West Shore to Craig y Don. You have to go on the very busy main roads, you cannot even cycle along the promenade on North Shore, if you are caught you will be prosecuted and fined. You must cycle along the busy promenade road with cars parked on both sides and coaches sometimes double parked dropping off people at the hotels. Why is it that on Rhos on Sea and Colwyn Bay promenade which is much narrower, cycling facilities have been made available.
I think the original developers of Llandudno. The Mostyn family would be disgusted with the attitude towards tourists, the disabled and young children. How about YOU.
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The problem is that cyclists on the prom in colwyn bay generally cycle anywhere on the pavement OTHER than on the cycle path. I'm always having to move out of their way even though they are cycling in the wrong place. why would it any different in Llandudno where the prom is far busier? Why cant us walkers just be left in peace?
ReplyDeleteI quite agree that some cyclists are not very careful of others on the prom, but rather that than seeing a child run over by a car. But i have also seen walkers walking on the Green marked cycle path so i think some education and better signing for both would be a good idea.
ReplyDeleteJust come back from Llandudno and GREAT they are putting in some new cycling ways, near McDonalds. Were they go as yet is not clear but at last getting vulnerable people off the roads, what better way of helping to make our roads safer. Let’s hope that when it is finished they include the new routes on the plan at West Shore, is there one at Craig y Don ?
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