Plans for a new shared-use path in south Wales have been approved despite residents’ objections that cyclists would disturb a territorial dog and cause it to bark excessively, as well as claims that the route would disrupt a van that has been parked in the area since 1990.
The scheme, signed off by Swansea Council, will run from Pentre Road at the northern edge of Rhydgoch Cemetery to Birch Rock Road and then to Bolgoed Road, linking the town to nearby Pontlliw.
The route will pass along the boundary of a former brickworks, cross a large water main, and follow an existing rear lane behind Pentre Road properties. Some trees will be cut down, though planning officers have required more trees be planted in compensation, along with a contaminated land remediation plan.
Pentre road shared use path, Pontarddulais (credit: Google Street View)
WalesOnline reports that five objections were lodged against the project, one resident warning that their territorial dog would be unsettled by passing cyclists, leading to “excessive barking.”
Another objector argued that vehicles had long used the rear lane, including a van which has reportedly remained in place for 35 years.
Others raised concerns about privacy, security, and the possibility of off-road motorcyclists exploiting the new link, while some questioned whether the project was needed given the presence of a cycle path at nearby Coed Bach Park.
However, there was also one letter of support from the locals, pointing out that the path would improve access for schoolchildren and create a safe route to shops. The letter added that the “overgrown land will be improved with the creation of the path, enhancing the local area’s appearance.”
Dog walker lead (credit: Pixabay License)
> Cyclists’ safety highlighted as dog walkers face fines for using long leads near cycle paths
Council officers concluded that although there might be worries about privacy, security and quality of life, “based on the information available, it is not anticipated on balance that any perceived or unreasonable additional harm beyond the current situation would be caused by the proposed development.” They emphasised the wider benefits of encouraging fewer car journeys and improving health and wellbeing.
Pontarddulais councillor Kevin Griffiths said: “You’re always going to have people who approve and people who disapprove,” noting that existing paths in the area, such as through Coed Bach Park and linking Pontarddulais with Gowerton, were well-used by cyclists and walkers.
This latest decision comes just months after Swansea Council dropped a far more ambitious scheme — a £1.4m segregated two-way cycle lane along the A4118 between Sketty and Walter Road via Uplands.
That route was described by the council as “vital” and welcomed by campaign group Swansea Wheelrights, but it was paused in September 2024 and finally abandoned in February this year after a backlash led by former MP Geraint Davies and Uplands councillors.
While residents branded it “the biggest waste of money ever,” warning it would “devastate” the community, cycling campaigners in favour pointed to footage of the road clogged with traffic and argued the new design would have given cyclists safe, continuous protection, but their voices were drowned out.
Cycle lane proposal (credit: Swansea Council/Google Maps)
One rider said they had “argued with the NIMBYs over this” and called opponents “impervious to reason and hostile as wasps.” Swansea Council has since redirected the funding to other projects, including upgrades to the Clyne Valley path and a park route in Landore.
> Irish farmers claim new cycle lane means road too narrow for combine harvesters, as local group angry at “North Korean-style project”
Just this week in Kildare, Ireland, opponents of a new 3km path between Moone and Timolin staged a road march with placards reading “Why not a unicorn lane too?” and “Bike 3 Cars 300 Logic 0.” The €1.6m scheme has been denounced by critics as a “North Korean-style project,” a “death trap,” and an “obstacle course,” with local farmers claiming it leaves the road too narrow for combine harvesters.
In Somerset last summer, councillors rejected proposals for a six-mile traffic-free greenway along the disused Grand Western Canal linking Taunton and Wellington. One said cyclists “will always want to use the road,” while others warned that those who did ride the path would force dog walkers and parents with pushchairs to “jump out of the way” as people sped past “trying to do Personal Best times” at 30mph.
Another councillor described the Bath to Bristol greenway as “lethal with dog walkers and pedestrians having to jump out of the way of cyclists who were trying to do Personal Best times.”