Car Free Day event is streets ahead

Published on 07.05.2019

Cardiff is set to celebrate another Car Free Day on Sunday, May 12^thand everyone is welcome to attend to enjoy Cardiff and reclaim your streets.

Following on from the success of last year’s event when anestimated 10,000 people celebrated on the streets of Cardiff, this year promises to be even bigger and better. One of theCar Free Day highlights is a free cycling festival with our partners British Cycling and HSBC UK.

Andrew Gregory, Director of Planning, Transport and Environment said:

“Last year, Car Free Day enabled thousands of people to enjoy our city in a different way, and to imagine how we could use our public space differently.

“Lots has happened since last year to improve more sustainable forms of transport; the on-street cycle hire scheme, nextbike, has been a continued success; work is underway on the first of a series of planned designated Cycleways; active travel in schools is also proving to be a big hit with pupils and parents.

“We are trying to change the city to be less dependent on car travel, to do this we need to show people what is possible and how we can do things differently, and this year’s Car Free Day will again be a great way of showcasing this.”

A variety of family-friendly, entertainment and activities are planned for Castle Street and North Road, these include sports activities, demonstrations, live music, dancing and a Bike Parade.

Riders who want to join the HSBC UK LET’S RIDE CARDIFF can register and find more information about it herewww.letsride.co.uk

Getting underway on Castle Street at 11am on Sunday 12 May, the 3.5km course starts from Cardiff Castle and takes participants past local landmarks such as City Hall and The Crown Buildings. There is also a 3.5km loop around King Edward VII Avenue and Cathays Park for those looking for a shorter route to ride. Finishing at 3pm, participants are invited to cycle the course as many – or as few – times as they wish.

The range of attractions along the route and at the festival zone include live music, a Great Britain Cycling Team display area, the Let’s Ride Mountain Bike Display Team, food and drink stalls, and HSBC UK Go-Ride – British Cycling’s development programme for young people that provides a fun and safe way to introduce young riders to the world of cycle sport and provides a platform to improve bike handling skills.

Anne Adams-King, chief executive of Welsh Cycling, said:

“We are looking forward to Cardiff being the first HSBC UK Let’s Ride event of 2019 and we hope to see as many people out on their bikes as possible.

“There will be plenty of attractions for all the family to get involved with, so make sure you come to Cardiff on May 12 to see just how amazing riding your bike can be.”

Luke Harper, head of HSBC UK’s partnership with British Cycling, said:

“Taking part in an HSBC UK Let’s Ride event is a great opportunity to get on a bike around Cardiff without traffic, seeing its landmarks from a completely different viewpoint.

“These events provide a great day out for families, those who want to get back on their bike after allowing it to collect dust at home, or for the more regular or serious bike user who wants to try something a bit more relaxed. Plus, you will be doing your bit to help create a greener, fitter, healthier Britain.”

Andrew Gregory, added:

“Around 108,000 cars come into or out of the city centre over a typical 24-hour period, and at the moment only around 5,300 people choose to cycle over the same period. This Council is keen to change these statistics, we want to do everything we can to encourage sustainable forms of travel and we’d love to see 20% of Cardiff’s workforce cycle into work by 2026. It would transform the way the city looks and feels. I would hope we can build on this event and bring several Car Free Days to the city every year. We want people to see for themselves just how much better the environment could be for everyone with less cars on our roads.”

Adrian Field, Executive Director FOR Cardiff, said:

“We have encouraged neighbouring businesses to consider what they can do to benefit from the additional footfall we expect the event to bring to this area and it provides a great opportunity for people attending the event to also venture into shops, cafes and bars that they otherwise wouldn’t.”

A full city centre road closure will be in place for this event. Resident and business access will be maintained as best as possible, when it is safe to do so. Traffic management staff will be on hand to advise motorists which route to take to access their property or business.