![\"Pentre](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pentre-road-shared-use-path-pontarddulais.jpg\" "\\"Pentre")
Pentre road shared use path, Pontarddulais (credit: Google Street View)<\/p>\n
WalesOnline<\/a> reports that five objections were lodged against the project, one resident warning that their territorial dog would be unsettled by passing cyclists, leading to \u201cexcessive barking.\u201d<\/p>\n Another objector argued that vehicles had long used the rear lane, including a van which has reportedly remained in place for 35 years.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u201covergrown land will be improved with the creation of the path, enhancing the local area\u2019s appearance.\u201d<\/p>\n >\u00a0Cyclists’ safety highlighted as dog walkers face fines for using long leads near cycle paths<\/a><\/p>\n Council officers concluded that although there might be worries about privacy, security and quality of life, \u201cbased 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.\u201d They emphasised the wider benefits of encouraging fewer car journeys and improving health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n Pontarddulais councillor Kevin Griffiths said: \u201cYou\u2019re always going to have people who approve and people who disapprove,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n This latest decision comes just months after Swansea Council dropped a far more ambitious scheme \u2014 a \u00a31.4m segregated two-way cycle lane<\/a> along the A4118 between Sketty and Walter Road via Uplands.<\/p>\n That route was described by the council as \u201cvital\u201d 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.<\/p>\n While residents branded it \u201cthe biggest waste of money ever,\u201d warning it would \u201cdevastate\u201d 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.<\/p>\n One rider said they had \u201cargued with the NIMBYs over this\u201d and called opponents \u201cimpervious to reason and hostile as wasps.\u201d Swansea Council has since redirected the funding to other projects, including upgrades to the Clyne Valley path and a park route in Landore.<\/p>\n >\u00a0<\/a>Irish farmers claim new cycle lane means road too narrow for combine harvesters, as local group angry at “North Korean-style project”<\/a><\/p>\n Just this week in Kildare, Ireland, opponents of a new 3km path between Moone and Timolin staged a road march with placards reading \u201cWhy not a unicorn lane too?\u201d and \u201cBike 3 Cars 300 Logic 0.\u201d The \u20ac1.6m scheme has been denounced by critics as a \u201cNorth Korean-style project,\u201d a \u201cdeath trap,\u201d and an \u201cobstacle course,\u201d<\/a> with local farmers claiming it leaves the road too narrow for combine harvesters.<\/p>\n![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/dog-house-33737841280.jpg\" "\\"Dog")
Dog walker lead (credit: Pixabay License)<\/p>\n![\"Cycle](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/untitled-1-2_5.png\" "\\"Cycle")
Cycle lane proposal (credit: Swansea Council\/Google Maps)<\/p>\n