There has been a large expansion to Llanfoist in recent years, with little thought put into the impact on the existing road network and in particular, safe travel for cyclists. While the Usk bridge is a particular issue, the problems faced by cyclists (and walkers) include crossing the busy roundabouts and slip roads. It is also clear that with present traffic levels, the whole area becomes congested at peak times.
The expansion of Llanfoist looks like it will continue, and, typically, the impact of this on the road network does not appear to have been fully considered by Monmouthshire county council and and other who are responsible for the road network and the safety of the public. At present it is not clear that anything will be done to improve what is already a fairly hostile and uninviting environment for people on bikes or on foot. If the proposed McDonalds/Costa/Brewers Fayre/Premier Inn development goes ahead, if the former Llanfoist Farm site eventually becomes “Llanfoist Services”, if the route over the Usk bridge becomes the trunk road to Brecon, the future for cycling and walking in and around Llanfoist is bleak.
Abergavenny Cycle Group will do all it can to promote safe cycling (and walking) routes, but we need the wider community to recognise what is happening by stealth and to make it clear to those in positions of power that another urban landscape dedicated to the car is not in the best interests of local people or the wider area.
