The start of something huge?

Ambitious initial plans to create a circular cycling route and walking tracks that would link North Montgomeryshire communities including Welshpool, Llanfyllin, Guilsfield, Llanwyddin and Llanymynech have been revealed.

The plans are a local response to the The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 which came into force in September 2014 and requires all local authorities in Wales to map, plan and make continuous improvement to their active travel networks (routes for pedestrians and cyclists).

But while many of our local communities fall below the 2,000-people minimum requirement, communities are preparing for a feasibility study so that they are ready when round two of the Act comes in.

To raise awareness, and funds, the MontytraX Mountain Bike Challenge will be held around Llanfyllin on June 17 in the hope of raising £6,000 towards the cost of the study.

“Providing a more comprehensive cycle network in the beautiful surroundings of North Montgomeryshire would benefit our local economy,” said Shan Mayor, Chair of The MontytraX Steering Group.

“Not only would having safe access to cycling to work or school provide households with less need to spend money on fuel and wear and tear on their vehicles it would also mean less money spent on road construction, repair and maintenance costs.

“Then there’s the bicycle economy itself. You can track economic benefits from bicycle tourism, sales and manufacturing, training, promotion and the work of actually creating cycling infrastructure which can boast a much more impressive multiplier effect than most other types of infrastructure development.”

Local community and town councils are being asked to provide maps outlining areas that could be developed as cycling routes that can eventually be connected throughout Montgomeryshire and across the border to Oswestry.

“It is important for us to establish which routes we would like the council to look at and supply the council with a very basic map showing where they think the most benefit would be for a cycle route in our area,” added Shan.

“As has been illustrated the benefits of developing a cycle network in the area could be significant for us all and future generations to come.”

The event on June 17 will consist of a 28 or 15-mile routes and will include events for all age groups and levels from serious off-roaders to laid back riders. There will also be kids’ events including a fun skills challenge. It will be based out of Llanfyllin High School.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com\montytrax or contact MontytraX@btinternet.com