A charity supporting disabled cyclists says the pedestrian-only rule along Cardiff’s Queen Street makes life difficult for them.
Pontcanna-based charity Pedal Power says the cycling ban does not consider disabled people who rely on adapted bikes.
The charity’s senior officer, Kevin Rahman-Daultrey, whose dyspraxia affects his co-ordination and balance, says the Queen Street ban alienates disabled people who need to cycle to get around.
But Cardiff Council says one of the reasons for the cycling ban on Queen Street is because of concerns from disability groups.
Mr Rahman-Daultrey says the restrictions need more thought: “When there are cycling bans in place, it does offer a barrier for people like myself who have a disability and need a bit of an odd or weird-looking bike.
“I’m able to get off my bike and walk, but for those that can’t and actually use bikes as a mobility aid, the cycling ban simply prevents them from utilising Queen Street.”
He added that cycle tracks around the city also do not consider disabled people with adapted bikes: “The typical size of a cycle lane is 1.5 metres but my adapted bike is 1.2 metres, which adds a level of danger to riding it through the city,” he told CJS News.
Cardiff Council defended the ban, saying: “In the past cycling has been trialled on Queen Street during times when deliveries are permitted. Following these trials, there was very negative feedback from disability groups and the RNIB. Since then cycling hasn’t been allowed and the enforcement is carried out by the police.”
