Fifteen members of the Welsh Youth Forum on Sustainable Development (WYFSD), Gwerin y Coed (the Woodcraft Folk in Wales) and representatives of other youth organisations spent five days in the saddle, cycling from Machynlleth to Cardiff Bay to hand deliver a petition to Jane Davidson, Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing. Delivered at the Welsh Assembly Government building on Wednesday 22 September, the petition called for better cycling provision in Wales.
The Carbon Cycle Ride, 150 miles from Machynlleth to Cardiff Bay, was assisted by funds from The Co-operative and organised by the WYFSD. The aim was to raise awareness of cycling as a healthy form of transport with minimal environmental impact, as well as promoting better cycling facilities throughout Wales. Members of staff from The Co-operative in Wales joined with the group for sections of the ride.
At the finish line Jane Davidson and other members of the Welsh Assembly accepted the petition which called for a number of measures, including safe cycle routes to schools, more cycle lanes, and better provision for bikes on public transport in Wales.
Duncan Rees, The Cooperative Membership Officer for North and South Wales, said: “We’re excited to be supporting the team of ambitious young people in their venture to promote cycling in Wales.
“The environmental and health benefits linked to this go hand-in-hand with the values and principles of The Co-operative, and it is fantastic to see the next generation taking action to make a positive impact in the country.”
Anna Bullen, Senior Support Worker, from the WYFSD said: “The Carbon Cycle Ride was the idea of a group of young people who wanted to raise awareness about cycling as a healthy, sustainable and fun form of transport, whilst also campaigning for better cycling facilities throughout Wales.
The bike ride is now in its third year and has been hugely successful in attracting young people of different cycling abilities, from all across Wales, who want to make a difference and have fun doing so.
Cadan ap Tomos, a member of WYFSD, said: “I took part in last year’s ride and it was very hard work but well worth it.”
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