20mph speed limit roads force historic cycling race to alter course as support vehicles risk fines
The Junior Tour of Wales has been forced to change routes because of the 20mph speed limits
PA/GETTY
A popular cycling race has been forced to change its course as a result of the 20mph speed limit rules in Wales, much to the dismay of organisers.
The Junior Tour of Wales race will begin today, but three of the five stages have been changed as support vehicles would not be able to keep up with the riders.
Wales introduced a major policy change last year to crack down on dangerous driving by slashing speed limits on almost all restricted roads to 20mph.
The decision was met with major backlash over the last 12 months, prompting the Government to ditch the plans and work with local authorities to find a suitable strategy, rather than a blanket speed limit.
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Almost 470,000 people signed the petition calling for 20mph roads to be scrapped
PARobbie George, director of development and events for Beicio Cymru, said organisers of the cycle race had asked for temporary road orders to ensure the riders and convoy could maintain speeds through 20mph sections, but said they were unsuccessful.
He added: "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.”
He noted how the cyclists would not exceed the 20mph speed limit on some roads, but when travelling downhill, they could travel at 40mph, causing issues for the support vehicles which would not be able to travel behind them.
Around 100 riders will begin the race in Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent, on Friday, before travelling through Powys and Pembrey Country Park in Carmarthenshire over the weekend.
The race has been a staple in the area since 1981 and has seen Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas and Olympic gold medallist Tom Pidcock have taken part.
George added: "We make decisions to protect riders, organisers, ourselves and cycling in general. It is not as black and white as just about the limits, especially when 20mph zones are not all the same."
The backlash to the 20mph speed limits has been seen across Wales, with further support from the rest of the UK about the controversial scheme.
The Welsh Government estimated that the 20mph roads would save up to 100 lives in the first decade and save the NHS in Wales around £92million every year.
However, a petition launched on the Senedd website saw a record-breaking 470,000 signatures - more than any other petition in Senedd history - and prompted the Government to act.
In response, Transport Secretary Ken Skates said the policy would be changed to address any concerns and introduce a targeted approach rather than a blanket decision.
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The Government has been forced to amend its plans for 20mph speed limits after backlash
GETTYWhen making the announcement, Skates noted the impact of the petition, saying that "guidance has to be corrected" following the intense backlash which contributed to several notable resignations from the Welsh Government.
He continued, saying: "There is generally universal support for 20mph being targeted in areas where there are schools, built-up areas like housing estates, and outside hospitals and so forth."
A Welsh Government spokesperson told the PA news agency: "The priority for any race is always to ensure that it is safe for all participants and other road users in accordance with police/highway authority requirements.
"The introduction of 20mph does not change this position. We have worked with the race organisers to develop various options to ensure the race can go ahead."