Anglesey residents are being asked to help improve opportunities to walk and cycle on everyday journeys on the Island.

Anglesey Council, and other local authorities in Wales, must map, plan for, improve and promote opportunities for active travel – as part of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013. Active Travel means walking and cycling for everyday journeys - like getting to school, work, shops, health and leisure services - not for recreation.

Anglesey’s seven Active Travel settlements were approved by Welsh Government in 2018, following an initial consultation in 2016. Local authorities must continue ensure that they meet the duties specified within their designated localities.

The Isle of Anglesey County Council has launched a consultation on its Active Travel Network Map. This currently includes seven Active Travel settlements in Amlwch, Benllech, Holyhead, Llanfairpwll, Llangefni, Menai Bridge and Valley.

Its focus is to increase active travel within the areas with greatest need and highest potential for these journeys. However, if the consultation shows there is demand for active travel journeys in other areas, they could potentially be included in the Council’s Active Travel Network Map.

Head of Service Highways Waste & Property, Huw Percy said: “We encourage active travel due to its positive health benefits and sustainability. Our priority is to ensure that the Active Travel Network Map continues to work for the whole community.

"To make the process as inclusive as possible, we are asking all residents share their thoughts to help us identify barriers and improvements to Active Travel walking and cycling routes.”

He added: “The feedback we receive will be used to inform plans for future improvements to the walking and cycling network and will help shape the Island’s Active Travel Network Map in the future.”

Highways portfolio holder, Councillor Bob Parry, welcomed the new consultation.

He added, “We look forward to views from all parts of the Island in order to develop and improve our Active Travel Network Map. It’s important that local residents have their say as we try to create more opportunities for cycling and walking for everyday journeys here on Anglesey.”

The first stage of public consultation will last until 26th March 2021. Have your say here: https://ynysmon.commonplace.is

There will be opportunity for the public to have their say on the draft Active Travel Network Map at the next stage of the consultation process later in the year.

More information available at: https://www.anglesey.gov.uk/en/Get-involved/Consultations/Current-consultations/Angleseys-Active-Travel-Network-Map-Consultation.aspx