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Cardiff Council Proposes £4m Cycle Track as Part of Tour de France Legacy Plans
Cardiff Council is proposing the construction of a new £4 million cycle track in Leckwith, aimed at leveraging the anticipation surrounding the Tour de France, set to finish stage three in Cardiff in 2027. This project is part of a broader initiative to establish a lasting legacy from the prestigious cycling event.
The proposed 1.5km circuit would be situated on council-owned land, close to existing sports and educational facilities. Research conducted by the council has indicated a strong demand for urban closed circuit road facilities in South Wales, as none currently exist in the region.
Funding for the cycle track is expected to come from external sources through the Tour de France legacy programme. The council has stated that it will not bear the cost of the facility, which is contingent upon securing planning permission and approval of a comprehensive business case.
The project aligns with a UK-wide strategy developed by Beicio Cymru, alongside British and Scottish Cycling, to enhance high-quality cycling infrastructure across the nation.
A report concerning the initial stages of the project is scheduled for discussion at a Cardiff council cabinet meeting on 15 October, where the cabinet is expected to consider approval. The council anticipates the involvement of a third party to operate the track in collaboration with national bodies.
Councillor Jen Burke, the cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, expressed the council’s commitment to ensuring that the impact of the Tour de France resonates well beyond the event itself. She emphasised the potential of the circuit to serve as a significant community hub for cycling and endurance sports, facilitating opportunities for local residents and promoting active lifestyles.
The proposed cycle track is positioned as an opportunity not just for competitive cycling, but as a safe and welcoming environment for children learning to ride, as well as a resource for schools and community groups engaging in physical activities.
