20mph speed limit forces cycle race to change route
A cycle race has been cut shorter and rerouted after the 20mph speed limits across Wales, organisers of Junior Tour of Wales said.
But it is not because of the cyclists’ speed who cannot be prosecuted for speeding.
Instead, the support vehicles would not be able to keep up with the riders without driving over the speed limit.
Now three of the five stages of the junior tour, which kicks off today, have been changed, including the race finish change from Nantgaredig, Carmarthenshire, the the home of three-time Olympic cycling medallist Emma Finucane.
Robbie George, director of development and events for Beicio Cymru, said: ‘Broadly speaking, the default speed is a positive – proven in the reduction in road casualties and insurance claims as a result.
‘We now have a safer Wales that over time will help develop the confidence for more people to participate in cycling.
‘For racing though, it’s challenging. Beicio Cymru and associates have been trying to resolve the impact on racing for two years, right down to the last minute, but it was not possible.’
George said the organisers had asked for a temporary road order to allow higher speeds through the 20mph sections, but they did not secure permission.
Not all roads in Wales have 20mph since the introduction of the project in September last year.
Wales became the first country in the UK to drop the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in built-up areas in September last year – despite controversy surrounding the move which sparked 470,000 signatures in a petition against the law.
The Welsh Government predicts the reduced speed limit will save up to 100 lives and save the NHS in Wales £92 million a year.
From September, some of the new 20mph roads will be reverted back to the original 30mph. Residents have been asked to tell their councils to tell where they think the changes should happen.
