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This is the first look at a specially-designed cycle route which Cardiff council hopes will get more people on their bikes.

As part of a 15-year plan, the local authority wants to introduce five “cycle superhighways”.

They are continuous routes which see cyclists separated from motor vehicles and pedestrians where needed.

The first images released show a 1km and bike path “fully segregated” from the road with a kerb between the path and road.

The first section which could be installed is at St Andrew’s Crescent along St Andrew’s Place and Senghennydd Road .

(Image: Cardiff council)

Cabinet member Caro Wild this would be the first step towards making Cardiff a friendlier cycling city.

He said this had been chosen as the first location due to its busy location.

“This is a busy route with lots of students and it would start us on our way right up to the hospital.

“That is a key transport route for us. We know there is lots of demand there.”

A map of the route of the first 'cycle superhighway'

(Image: Cardiff council)

He said while the aim is to have segregation all along the route, it may not be possible in all locations.

“There may be parts where it can’t be full segregation but generally the idea is segregation all the way and it to be two lanes.

“The study and research shows that people with children, and women in particular, this is what they require to get engaged in cycling.

“People know Cardiff is quite a squeezed city. Its design means we haven’t got a lot of room to play with.

“We are trying to balance this with buses and pedestrians as well as room for those people who want to drive around the city.”

He said he hoped work would start on the first stage of the first route next year.

“This is the final stage of consultation and the scheme has already gone through prolonged design work.”

Cllr Wild did however warn that installing the routes is expensive, and the remaining work is dependant on finding the relevant funds.

But the first comments from cyclists aren’t overwhelming in their support for the name at least.

@diafol1 criticised calling it a “super highway”.

“We could just call it what the Dutch and Danes do a segregated cycle lane like a car lane but for bikes and separate from cars”.

Justin Morgan @JustinDWMorgan said: “Just don’t call it a ‘ Superhighway’ -suggestive of motorway & off putting. ‘Bike path’ anyone?”

@QuiteLikeBikes said: “I agree with that. They’re just bike paths - calling them super highways makes them sound amazing and special, when in fact they should just be the norm. Although we could have a super-highway along the A48 Cdf-Npt. Heated and lit, with the burger vans replaced with cake stands!”

Cllr Wild said the current name could change.

In 2018, the Welsh Government approved the council’s long-term plan to get more people cycle and walk.

(Image: Rob Browne)

The five planned routes are:

Superhighway 1: City Centre to Cathays, University Hospital Wales, Heath High Level and Heath Low Level Rail Stations, and North East Cardiff Strategic Development Site

Superhighway 2: City Centre to Adamsdown, Newport Road retail parks, Rumney, Llanrumney and St Mellons Business Park

Superhighway 3: City Centre to Cardiff Bay

Superhighway 4: City Centre to Llandaff, Danescourt and North West Strategic Development Site

Superhighway 5: City Centre to Riverside, Ely and Caerau.

A consultation about the designs is open until May 11 at www.cardiff.gov.uk/cyclesuperhighways .

Events will also be held at Senghennydd Road, near the junction with Salisbury Road on Thursday April 19 between 4pm and 6pm and at Ride My Bike Café on Park Place on Wednesday, April 25 between 4pm and 6pm.