A SUSTAINABLE transport charity has said that Llandudno is losing out on millions of pounds by not opening up its promenade to cyclists.
Sustrans claim that by preventing bikes from using the seafront, the town is failing to attract cycling enthusiasts to the area.
A 2008 study from Sustrans found that more than £8 million was generated for the local economy by tourists visiting the Celtic Trail, running between Chepstow and Fishguard, with similar potential for the route between Chester and Holyhead.
Lee Waters, Director of Sustrans Cymru, said that the current debate between cyclists and hotelliers on the use of Llandudno seafront had become counter productive.
“This is a sterile debate between cyclists and hoteliers,” he said.
“They have locked themselves into a battle where no-one wants to back down and both are losing out as a result. “
“Sustrans would like to see a compromise reached, with a trial period for cycling along the prom.
“There are already numerous examples of where promenade space in Wales is shared successfully and safely, Swansea Bike Path for instance.
“There is no reason why that couldn't be replicated in Llandudno.
Sustrans promote cycle tourism across the UK, and say that without a safe route through Llandudno they are unable to properly promote the North Wales Coastal Route.
John Lawson-Reay, chairman of Save our Scenery, opposed the opening of the promenade to cyclists due to a lack of current interest.
“I'm assured by people who own hotels and guesthouses that extremely few people come to Llandudno with only their bicycles to stay in the hotels,” he said.
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