Up to 216km of new walking and cycling routes could be introduced as part of the council’s Active Travel plan.

Active Travel includes walking, cycling or using mobility scooters for everyday journeys.

Caerphilly County Borough Council said potential routes will be further analysed and developed before funding bids are submitted to the Welsh Government.

In an Environment and Sustainability Committee meeting held on Tuesday, December 7, Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Property, said Active Travel is “important in promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the negative impacts of traffic upon our neighbourhoods and communities”.

The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 requires all local authorities in Wales to
continuously improve their Active Travel routes.

The act aims to make Active Travel a more attractive option for shorter journeys.

Funding for new routes will be provided by the Welsh Government.

The new plan follows a consultation with local schools, community groups, charities, sports club, elected officials and community councils.

Designated areas, which have been chosen by the Welsh Government, will be affected by the plans. These include:

• Aberbargoed
• Abercarn
• Abertridwr
• Bargoed
• Blackwood
• Caerphilly
• Cwmfelinfach
• Llanbradach
• Machen
• Nelson
• New Tredegar
• Newbridge
• Pontllanfraith
• Pontlottyn
• Rhymney
• Risca
• Wattsville
• Ynysddu
• Ystrad Mynach

In February this year, the council launched an interactive travel map, making it easier for residents to voice their opinions on local walking and cycling routes.

The interactive map allows residents to highlight areas where they would like to see improvements and share their ideas for potential new routes.