Active Travel refers to making daily, purposeful journeys by non-motorized means. This could be walking, cycling, scooting or wheeling to work, school or the shops. It is designed to replace short car trips which both improves health and reduces emissions. Regular physical activity has numerous benefits for our physical and mental health. Regular active travel can also help to reduce congestion and noise pollution and improve air quality.
The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 places a legal duty upon local Councils in Wales to map, plan for and promote more walking and cycling for every day journeys. Rhondda Cynon Taf has a network of routes and paths for cycling and walking, including 6 National Cycle Network routes. The Active Travel team in Rhondda Cynon Taf maintain and improve these routes, while also mapping and promoting them to the public.
Cycling is an economic and environmentally friendly form of transport. It can provide a realistic alternative to many short distance journeys that are currently made by car. The Council, in partnership with a number of organisations such as Sustrans, is providing the necessary infrastructure in Rhondda Cynon Taf to promote and encourage more journeys by bike.
Reports
Each year the Council's Active Travel team submit both an annual report and a monitoring report to Welsh Government. The most recent reports are available below.
View our latest Active Travel Annual Report
View our latest Active Travel Monitoring Report
Active Travel Network Map
In 2021, we undertook a consultation exercise to update our Active Travel Network Map (ATNM). This map contains details of the proposed new and improvements to existing active travel routes that the Council will seek to deliver over the next 15 years. The ATNM has been drawn-up using information that we have received from our consultation exercise as well as from our examination of a number of statutory documents such as the Council’s Local Development Plan.
The final version of the Council’s Active Travel Network Map has been approved by the Welsh Government and is now available for the public to view, using the link below. This Map has replaced the previous Integrated Network Maps that covered various communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Details of the active travel schemes that the Council proposes to deliver during the next 15 years, the criteria used to prioritise these schemes and the outcome of the consultation exercise that was undertaken in 2021 can also be downloaded below.
Prioritisation of Schemes in Active Travel Network Map
Evidence Base Criteria Prioritisation of Active Travel Schemes
Active Travel Consultation Responses
Active Travel routes in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Click to explore our Active Travel map, which highlights the following routes, and has videos for each section.
Cynon Trail
Penderyn to Hirwaun - [video]
Hirwaun (one way system, north) - [video]
Hirwaun to Trecynon - [video]
Trecynon to Aberdare - [video]
Aberdare to Mountain Ash - [video]
Mountain Ash to Abercynon - [video]
Rhondda Fach Trail (NCN 881)
Stanleytown to Wattstown Park - [video]
Wattstown Park to Porth - [video]
Porth to Trehafod - [video]
Porth (one way system, north) - [video]
Trehafod to Barry Sidings Countryside Park - [video]
Barry Sidings Countryside Park to Pontypridd - [video]
Route 4 (including Pontypridd to Treforest link route)
Pontypridd to Tonteg - [video]
Treforest (one way system, north) - [video]
Church Village Community Route - [video]
Llantrisant Community Route - [video]
Talbot Green to Pontyclun - [video]
Talbot Green to Royal Glamorgan Hospital - [video]
Royal Glamorgan Hospital to Thomastown - [video]
Route 47
Cilfynydd to Ynysybwl - [video]
Taff Trail
Abercynon to Trallwn - [video]
Trallwn (south route) - [video]
Trallwn (north route) - [video]
Pontypridd via the park - [video]
Pontypridd via the road - [video]
Pontypridd to Nantgarw - [video]
Nantgarw to Taffs Well - [video]
Sustrans National Cycle Network
The Sustrans National Cycle Network is a UK-wide network of paths and routes for walking and cycling. Six routes connect communities across Rhondda Cynon Taf providing exercise and commuting opportunities.
Click here for a simplified map illustrating the routes that pass through RCT and some of the communities that it connects. Also illustrated on the map are the train stations that are on route - which can support you when commuting to work, allowing you to cycle or walk part of your journey.
For further support check out our route videos and maps which provide directions and helpful tips.
For the full UK map visit: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/national-cycle-network/
As well as these cycle routes there are a number of locations across Rhondda Cynon Taf where you can safely park your bicycle whilst you carry on with your daily business. View here.
Cycle Safety
To make sure you're cycling safely, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- Be visible to other road users and pedestrians. Steer well clear of the kerb; wear bright or fluorescent clothing in daylight or in poor light conditions and reflective clothing at night.
- Always use lights after dark, in the rain or if the weather is overcast.
- Don't ride in the gutter. Give yourself space on the left, and don't feel you have to hug the kerb if a car behind you gets impatient.
- Protect yourself. Always wear a helmet as this reduces the risk of head injury if you are involved in a crash or a collision.
- Show drivers what you plan to do in plenty of time. Always look before starting or stopping and ensure you look and signal before you start, stop or make a turn. Make eye contact with drivers and let them know you've seen them.
- Ride decisively. Don't weave between lanes or change direction suddenly without looking and signalling.
- Use cycle facilities wherever possible: these include cycle lanes and paths, advanced stop lines for cycles at traffic lights.
If a cycle route is off road and shared with pedestrians:
- Keep to the cyclists' side of the route which will be signposted or indicated by signage.
- Watch out for people who might find it difficult to move out of your way, such as older people, children and people with disabilities.
- Use your bell to let people know you're there.
- Be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.
Cyclists and the law - remember it's against the law for cyclists to:
- Jump red lights, including lights at pedestrian crossings.
- Cycle on pavements, unless there's a sign showing the pavement has been converted to a cycle track or shared-use surface.
- Ride across pedestrian crossings, unless it's a toucan crossing.
- Ride at night without a front white light, a rear red light and rear red reflector.
If you do not feel confident following any of the above recommendations, why not take part in a local cycle training session in your area. Cycle training is a great way of building confidence on a bike in a controlled environment. Whether you're learning to ride for the first time, developing your balance and control or enhancing your on-road skills there is a training scheme to suit your needs.
Use the links below for more information.