Council to set aside £1m for thriving sports clubs
Several sports clubs at council-owned community playing fields across Swansea are set to receive a boost as the council plans to set £1m aside for changing room renovations.
The funding will see facilities repaired, modernised and tidied up as community sports hubs are available to the whole community.
“Since the end of the pandemic and during the cost of living crisis, many sports clubs have been at the heart of their communities supporting the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in city neighbourhoods,” said Leader of the Council Rob Stewart.
“We’ve been talking to clubs about what the next steps should be and many called for changing rooms to be upgraded so they could be more easily used by women and girls and be more in line with the expectations of sports’ governing bodies,” he explained.
The council has previously allocated over £7m for over 50 new community play areas for children and planned to allocate £1m for a new generation of skate and BMX park facilities.
“Taken together they are the biggest investment in outdoor community play and sports facilities by the council in more than a generation,” said Councillor Stewart. “We’ve made this commitment because we saw just how important outdoor facilities have been to groups, families and individuals during the cost of living crisis.”
The changing rooms project was introduced last month at Swansea Council’s budget meeting and was approved by the full council; a report seeking funding for the scheme is set to be seen by the cabinet soon.
If the report is approved, an additional £1 million fund will be made available which councillors will be able to apply for to support more community projects and schemes in their areas.
Currently, the community budget scheme allows each member to use up to £15000 each year on qualifying projects.
Councillors have previously used these funds to support initiatives such as the provision of defibrillators, expansion of local wildflower planting programmes, sponsoring community events, and making small streetscape improvements such as sprucing up community gardens or giving public seats.
New Recruits appointed for the Maintenance of Beaches and Parks
This month, approximately 30 recently hired operatives will head out to our parks and beaches to assist in maintaining the cleanliness and well-being of some of Swansea’s most beloved landscapes for both residents and visitors.
In February, over 180 individuals applied for seasonal positions with the Parks and Cleaning teams, with the goal of assisting in maintaining our most well-liked locations throughout Easter and the summer.
The six-month stay will run from now until September, to match the busiest season of the year.
According to Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services, everyone must do their part to leave our parks and beaches in the condition that they would like others to find them when they leave.
He remarked: “Littering is not only unsightly but it can also be dangerous. Bottles, disposable barbecues and dog messes are what people are concerned about the most because they put others at risk.
“In particular disposable BBQs buried out of sight at the beach retain their heat for many hours and can cause life-changing burns to children and other people who have no idea they’re there until they step on them.”
Anderson urges everyone to treat the parks and beaches with respect. For instance, take the dog poo home if you see that the bin is full. everyone can contribute a little.
In addition to picking up garbage, the summer beach cleaning crews will also help maintain the cleanliness of the council’s expanding network of Changing Places at locations like Knab Rock and Rhossili and remove weeds and sand from walkways and roadside areas.
Additionally, park recruits will assist our regular staff in maintaining our award-winning parks so that both humans and wildlife can take in the beauty and blooms.
Visit this link to learn more about the four award-winning Blue Flag beaches in your area: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/beaches
Visit this link to learn more about Swansea’s wonderful open spaces, including its Green Flag parks: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/parks
Cover Photo: Rhossili Bay https://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/24408/Rhossili-named-among-worlds-best-beaches
Swansea plans for new heating network in bid to become net zero by 2050
Swansea is planning a new low-carbon heating network to reduce its carbon footprint as part of its goal to be a net-zero city by 2050. The network will use excess heat generated from a large data centre that will be set up in Swansea Port as a part of a £4bn renewable energy project.
Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said, “Working closely alongside DST Innovations and their partners, we’ve identified the opportunity for a low carbon heating network linked to the overall development that would heat many of Swansea’s major buildings in SA1 and the city centre.”
The council’s cabinet has now been asked to approve a study to explore the feasibility of the district heating network further.
Councillor Stewart said, “Along with the other aspects of this ground-breaking project it will significantly reduce Swansea’s carbon footprint while creating thousands of jobs and placing our city at the heart of global green economy innovation.”
The proposed heating network will be responsible for heating several buildings in the SA1 and city centre areas of Swansea by connected pipes.
These include the developments in the docks and SA1 area, the Swansea University campus on Fabian Way, the Civic Centre on Oystermouth Road, and buildings like Swansea Museum HMP Swansea.
The proposed heating network is part of a wider project that includes a tidal lagoon, a high-tech battery manufacturing centre, eco-homes anchored in the water and an oceanic and climate change research centre.
“We’re all aware of the impact of climate change and the importance of taking steps to reduce its effects on us and future generations,” said Councillor Stewart. “This is why we’ve set a target of becoming a net zero city by 2050 and will continue do all we can alongside Swansea’s businesses and residents to reach that goal.”
Prepare for a Fun Summer in Swansea
Swansea is a happening place buzzing with a lot of activities for its locals and tourists. It has a lot of fun events upcoming this summer for individuals and families.
They include major performances in Singleton Park, art gallery displays, breathtaking parks and beaches, and places like the LC and Plantasia.
The Wales Airshow and IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea are major highlights that people are looking forward to.
Picture: https://www.ironman.com/im-world-championship
See the video for The Wales Airshow: https://youtu.be/bqqhpH5CK6g
The Swansea Council’s Enjoy Swansea Bay team, along with several other businesses and organisations including restaurants, hotels, and bars, are organising various events.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies remarked: “The council and many others are preparing to offer people a lot more fun indoors and outdoors.
“I applaud the work of all those in the cultural and tourism sector who do so much to make Swansea a great place to visit and in which to live.”
Dylan Thomas Centre, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea Grand Theatre, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea Museum and libraries are some of the council-run venues offering such fun events.
Council-run attractions include:
- Blackpill Lido – open from May 4
- Crazy golf at Southend Gardens and Singleton Park – open now
- Oystermouth Castle – open now and with live theatre planned
- Singleton Boating Lake pedalos – operating now
- Swansea Bay Rider Land Train – operating now
Forthcoming events with council support include:
Picture from the iron man 2024 swansea
- Enigma Variations, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Brangwyn Hall – April 12
- Swansea International Jazz Festival – June 13-17
- World Triathlon Para Series Swansea – June 22
- Wales Airshow – July 6-7
- IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea – July 14
- James Arthur, Singleton Park – July 18
- Classic Ibiza, Singleton Park – July 19
- Let’s Rock Wales, Singleton Park – July 20
- Peter Pan, outdoor theatre, Oystermouth Castle – August 7
- Romeo and Juliet, outdoor theatre, Oystermouth Castle – August 8
- Admiral Swansea Bay 10k – September 15
It is time to make the most of the warmer days. both inside and outside!
Cover Photo: From Wales National Airshow.
Wakelin Awards Glynn Vivian Gallery
Article by Sucheta Chaurasia 6th April 2024
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, the public art gallery in Swansea city, is celebrating 25 years of the Wakelin Award. This year to commemorate the award, the gallery will showcase an exhibition of the works of the past award winners. Established in 1988, the Wakelin Award was founded in memory of Richard and Rosemary Wakelin, two Swansea-based artists. The award is given to a Welsh artist working in Wales. The artworks of the artists are purchased and displayed in the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery’s Permanent Collection.
Dr Peter Wakelin, the son of the two artists, said: “When we set up the Award after my mother died in 1998, we thought it would be something our parents would have enjoyed because of their love of the Glynn Vivian, and it would last for a few years. We never guessed that the scheme would continue to be so worthwhile for a quarter of a century. It’s fantastic to look back at all the artists. The Award has supported in that time and the wealth of works that have been added to the Glynn Vivian collection to be enjoyed by the people of Swansea.”
The painting ‘Looking at Cold Winter’ (2001) by David Tress (b.1955) won the Wakelin Award in 2001
Artwork ‘Mair at Cylch Meithrin’ (2020), comprising acrylic, wool and synthetic hair on hessian, made by Anya Paintsil (b. 1993) won the Wakelin Award in 2020
Louise Burston, Chair of the Friends of the Glynn Vivian, the independent charity that supports the art gallery, remarked: “The Friends are very pleased to be involved with such a prestigious award. It is heartening
‘Six Jugs’ (2012) by Philip Eglin (b. 1959)
to be able to support Welsh artists and contribute towards the gallery’s contemporary collection of art, it’s always fascinating to see whose work the nominated selector will choose. Over the years the award has gone to a splendidly diverse selection of artists from different disciplines and at different stages in their careers.”
Karen MacKinnon, Curator, of Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, is glad that the Wakelin Award has won the Wakelin Award in 2017helped the gallery to acquire some great works for its permanent collection. He adds: “This unique partnership between the Wakelin family and the Friends of the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is very special in the support it offers the gallery, artists in Wales and the works it enables us to share with audiences and communities.”
Artwork ‘Mair at Cylch Meithrin’ (2020), comprising acrylic, wool and synthetic hair on hessian, made by Anya Paintsil (b. 1993) won the Wakelin Award in 2020
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is part of Swansea Council and is supported by a grant from the Arts Council of Wales. The Award is supported and administered by the Friends of the Glynn Vivian and generous donations from its well-wishers.
For more information about the exhibition, interested individuals can contact Laura Gill at 01792 516900 or email glynn.vivian.gallery@swansea.gov.uk. More information about the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery and its various events is available on their website at www.glynnvivian.co.uk glynn.vivian.gallery@swansea.gov.uk
Address: Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Alexandra Road, Swansea, SA1 5DZ
Richard and Rosemary Wakelin
Richard Wakelin (1921–1987) and Rosemary Culley (1919–1998) were pioneers of the Swansea art scene from the late 1950s. Originally from Cardiff, they both met while attending the Welsh School of Architecture in 1939. After that, they enlisted in the armed forces to serve in the war. They got married in 1947. Richard worked as an architect in private practice and later with the City Council which included taking care of the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery). Although they both created abstract paintings, they valued all kinds of craftsmanship and art. The Swansea Art Society, the Association of Artists and Designers in Wales, the 74 Guild of Artist Craftsmen, the Welsh Group, and the Friends of the Glynn Vivian were among the institutions they worked with to promote the visual arts.
They were partners in the Maritime Quarter’s Swansea Arts Workshop, which is now the Mission Gallery. They desired to increase Swansea residents’ appreciation of the arts and to support and uplift gifted artists and craftspeople. Andrew Wakelin, Sally (together with her daughter Kate), and Peter Wakelin are their three living children. The couple’s eldest son Martin passed away in 2012, leaving behind his wife Christine Townley and daughter Megan, who are still interested in the prize.
Friends of Glynn Vivian
The Friends of Glynn Vivian association was founded in 1958 and has grown significantly since then. It is a self-governing nonprofit that is totally governed by its members, who also contribute to the acquisition of new pieces that broaden the Gallery’s collection and fund its programming. This vibrant organisation hosts lectures, behind-the-scenes tours, and social gatherings among its events. The Friends are always excited to have new members join them. To learn more about joining, go to www.friendsoftheglynnvivian.com.
Celebrating Swansea Editor’s Thoughts
When I first arrived in Swansea over 20 years ago Dylan Thomas’s words were often repeated to me “The graveyard of ambition”, which was very depressing to say the least. The parallel attitude was one of competition between Swansea and Cardiff, not just during sporting events such as rugby and the universities sports day but in most aspects of city life.
Now attitudes have dramatically changed and Swansea folk see the contrasts. Cardiff the industrial sprawling city; Swansea a small waterfront city with a beach within 5 minutes walk of the heart and beautiful countryside a short distance away. In fact there are more than 50 parks within the City 7 and County including several that are registered Grade 1 Historical parks, all open to the public and with interesting features.
Singleton Park which has a wonderful botanical garden where a comprehensive range of over 200 different plants and shrubs are grown. This is also the gardening hub growing plants to be displayed throughout Swansea including hundreds of hanging baskets that you can enjoy on almost every street corner. These are also available for the public to buy but you need to order early and already this year’s stock have been pre-sold. Take a walk around the gardens whether you are a gardener or not, be surprised. Singleton Park has a lake with swan shaped paddle boats to enjoy and a very popular lakeside café. The park is huge and you might think you are out in the country with no city sounds. The Swiss House is an unexpected site with an interesting history. The park is a great place to take the family or just to stroll through and enjoy the tranquillity. Then there are the music concerts and annual car show.
Other parks include Clyne which has a world beating rhododendron collection that bloom during Spring and bring visitors from around the globe. Clyne Park is brimming with plants brought back from around the world during the late nineteenth century and which are now mature species. During the summer Sunday afternoons draw a crowd to experience the different bands who perform at the top of the park where a marque and light refreshments are available. Sitting in a deck chair on a sunny Sunday afternoon is reminiscent of bygones days and my memories of the fifties.
Brynmill Park has an extensive lake and an abundance of wildfowl. So this is just a small selection of larger parks, not forgetting Cwmdonkin Park in the Uplands area and the original fountain featured in Dylan Thomas’s poem Hunchback in the Park. In fact this park was were Thomas spent his youth, being brought up in an adjacent house (which is open to visits by appointment and has been taken back to a 1940s/50’s setting as it was in Dylan’s youth). Buy his book The Artist as a Young Dog and as you walk through the park his sort stories will leap off the page and come alive as you stand in the very spots that he wrote about.
But the wonderful green nature reserves and historical parks are just one aspect of Swansea that you can enjoy as a family or solo, each large enough for brisk exercise or leisurely stroll, each having a café or nearby family friendly pub to finish.
Swansea abounds with art galleries, theatres, museums and other attractions apart from the beaches, wonderful indoor market and numerous great coffee shops and restaurants. The leisurely pace of Swansea will slow you down to relax and enjoy life. Oh! And Swansea is compact so you can come by coach or train and still enjoy everything without driving or parking restrictions. I do think this contrasts with the hustle and bustle of Cardiff and a final thought. I recall talking to a woman on the beach at Mumbles who said “I’ve come from Cardiff for the day. I love it here, the peace, friendliness and feeling safe” Beat that!
Mike Leahy Managing Director Swan TV
Ironman Swansea 2023
It’s a big weekend for Swansea sports fans as thousands of spectators will enjoy two top class events.So how can people watching the World Triathlon Para Series Swansea and IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea get the most of the event? And what can those not attending do to make it a good weekend? The free-entry events are being organised by British Triathlon and IRONMAN – and Swansea Council is supporting them
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “It’s going to be a great sporting weekend for the city. “There’s a huge appetite for quality events in this part of the world. Entrants and their supporters will be thrilled by the local support, our fabulous natural beauty and Swansea’s brilliant hospitality sector. These events along with all the others that the city hosts each year, will hopefully inspire even more people to compete in sport – competitive or recreational and to enjoy our fabulous local area and facilities.”
So what’s going on this weekend? This weekend (note July 15 & 16) brings the 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea (Saturday) and IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea (Sunday). The first staging of the events came last summer, along with the Para Sport Festival. The 2023 edition of the latter has been running all week across Swansea. On Saturday, as well as world class racing, there’ll be live entertainment, food and drink and an SA1 Waterfront event village to keep the family entertained, with entry to the event being free. You’ll find a big screen with live event footage, leaderboards and expert commentary. There’ll be accessible seating, music, face painting and other attractions. There’ll be things to do and see from around 8am to 6.45pm. On Sunday, athletes and spectators will enjoy a fantastic route full of scenic beauty including SA1’s historic dockside, Mumbles, Gower and Swansea Bay’s sweeping waterfront. IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea entrants will take on a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike course then a 13.1-mile run. Racing starts at 7am.
Who’s taking part this weekend? Competitors will be coming from around the world. Some of the competitors being world-class, many entrants being from Wales. There’ll also be than 400 volunteers aiming to help Swansea’s big sports weekend race across the finish line.
How can I watch? Thousands of visitors will descend on the city – and thousands of local people get out to support the athletes. Great places to watch will include Prince of Wales Dock in SA1 Waterfront, the seafront road between the Maritime Quarter and Mumbles – and for the IRONMAN cycling, parts of Gower. Sunday’s spectator hotspots will include Blackpill’s Woodman pub, Oxwich’s Beach House Restaurant, Southgate’s Three Cliffs Coffee Shop, Reynoldston’s King Arthur Hotel, The Eastern Farm Shop at Oldwalls, Sherperds and the Gower Heritage Centre at Parkmill, The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen at St Helen’s, and Blackpill Lido.
What will it mean for the roads and those living on the routes? It’ll mean temporary road closures, traffic diversions and parking restrictions from this Friday (note: July 14) morning around the city’s seafront area and in parts of Gower. This will help the organisers keep athletes, supporters and other members of the public safe. For pedestrians there’ll be designated crossing points on the cycle routes. Run courses will be signposted and marshalled. Essential access for carers will be facilitated. There are no restrictions at any time for the emergency services.
Event organisers have worked with local organisations, groups and businesses to ensure that disruption is as limited as possible. They thank residents for their understanding and will do all they can to help. The council’s city centre car parks remain open. Details: www.swansea.gov.uk/carparks
Where can I find out more info? Swansea Council is a partner in the weekend’s events which are being organised by British Triathlon and IRONMAN. There’s lots of info available – including course maps, spectator info, road closures, FAQs and visitor information – on the council’s events website and on the sites promoted by event organisers:
Wales National Airshow in Swansea
Hi SwanTV Viewers
SwanTV will be covering this wonderful event so watch outr for us during the wekkend and download the FREE app “swanTV” so you can enjoy everything local with us. Below are some tips to help you make the most of the largest free-entry event in Wales, organised by Swansea Council.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “We look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of people to this exceptional annual show. “There’ll be a huge amount to enjoy with air and ground displays for all the family, and we’d encourage everybody to plan ahead in order to maximise their enjoyment of the event. “We thank those whose daily routines may have to change due to the road changes which are in place for the safety of all and we also thank all our sponsors and supporters who help us to keep this great event free for so many people to enjoy.”
Wales Airshow tips
Don’t miss the Red Arrows. With their renowned aerobatics and exciting displays, the Red Arrows are a must-see. The council has just announced the times for the appearance of this world famous RAF team, supported on this occasion by DS Automobiles at FRF Motors Swansea. You can visit the DS Automobiles at FRF Motors Swansea stand next to the Red Arrows simulator in the RAF Village. The Red Arrows are due to appear over Swansea at 5pm on Saturday July 1, and at noon on Sunday July 2.
Look to the sky The big weekend will see the return of the RAF Typhoon on both days. On Sunday it will collaborate with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster in a new formation to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters raid. The Memorial Flight is also due on Saturday.
Team Raven, consisting of six experienced pilots performing formation aerobatics in their self-build aircraft, are also due to appear. Other attractions are set to include AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, who are the world’s only formation wingwalking team, The Jet Pitts will have a stunt bi-plane performing skilled manoeuvres and there’ll be some Scandinavian flying expertise with the Norwegian Vampire.
The crowds will witness a World War Two-era American fighter aircraft, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, plus a pair of Strikemasters, capable of speeds of over 450mph, the Fairey Swordfish bi-plane (Sunday only), the Supermarine Seafire (Saturday only), a North American Harvard (Saturday only), Wales Airshow favourites the Tigers Army Parachute Display Team, a Yak50 (an aircraft that’s twice been the world aerobatic champion, and – for fans of helicopters – the Westland Wasp (Sunday only).
Keep your feet on the ground The action doesn’t only take place in the sky. There’ll be ground displays for all the family including a replica Typhoon and Spitfire, interactive military displays, food and drink stalls, live entertainment, a funfair, two simulators including one from the Red Arrows, trade stands including airshow supporter John Pye Auctions, and – new for this year – the Motor Zone, an area for fans of cars and motorbikes with stands including Airshow supporter Sinclair Group. The ground displays are a great way to experience the Wales Airshow from a different perspective.
Plan ahead to make the most of your day. There are still some spaces available in the pre-bookable dedicated car parking. This offers convenience as they’re close to the core airshow area and also guarantee a parking space on what will be a busy weekend. Fees range from £10 and remain the same as last year, with an increase of just 50p for park and ride.
Park and ride facilities will be available at Bay Studios, off Fabian Way, and at the council’s Landore P&R site. Regular bus services will transport people from the park and ride facilities to the Civic Centre and back throughout the event weekend. Parking info: www.bit.ly/WAparking23 You can travel to Wales Airshow by train and bus with official travel partners GWR and First Cymru. More info: www.bit.ly/WAgwr23 and www.bit.ly/WAfbc23
The Wales Airshow has an official app designed to enhance the visitor’s experience. It offers access to the official timetable of displays, live updates, plane bios and more. Available on Android and Apple devices for a one-off £1.99, it can be re-download for free if you’ve bought it previously. Organisers and partners are taking a number of measures to minimise the event’s environmental impact. These include six main recycling points and three signposted water refill stations to help reduce plastic waste. Full plans and initiatives – www.bit.ly/WA23green
Stay safe! Free lost child wristbands, sponsored by Dawsons, are available from airshow information points, car park staff and from the police and fire service stands at the Cenotaph. It’s a simple and quick way to help a lost child reunite with their parents. Just write your mobile number on the back and put it on your child’s wrist.
Please check the weather forecast before you travel. Organisers hope for sun – in which case, use sun cream and stay hydrated. They’re committed to reducing plastic waste and there’ll be three free water fill-up stations at the event. There’ll be two First Aid points, manned by St John Ambulance personnel. One will be at the Civic Centre and one on the prom near the Cenotaph. Members of St John Ambulance will patrol the site throughout both days. Stewards will also be available to help.
Mike Leahy
On Your Bike!!
Hi SwanTV Viewer
I know that bikes are important, not just in helping us towards a greener environment and saving money but also in giving us that exercise that we all need to keep fit and live longer. And most cyclists ride with care and obey the Highway Code to keep the rest of us safe. Cycles are integral to out transport system and should work in partnership with motor vehicles, each having due care and attention to others. I was shocked to read yesterday that a third of drivers thought that cycles should be banned from public highways. And seven in ten of the drivers questioned said cyclists should have insurance. The findings come from an online survey of more than 12,000 UK motorists by data collection firm Yonder who asked 12,500 motorists. What do you think?
I am becoming very wary of those mavericks who ride through traffic lights, on pavements and undertake on the inside of both moving and stationary vehicles, mainly in cities. Twice in the last 7 days I have narrowly missed being hit and possibly knocked down by cyclists on pavements. The first occasion they overtook me as I walked along, almost brushing against me as they passed, and at some speed too. They rode ahead, crossed at a pedestrian crossing, still riding, and sped down on the opposite pavement. The second time I stepped out of a shop and a bike wizzed by on the relatively narrow pavement, almost knocking me over, the cyclist turning his head and shouting “Watch out where you walk!” And this on a pavement!
The Highway Code states emphatically, in Rule 64 that “You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement”. It also advises that cyclists “take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room”. I can understand that children ride on the pavement and that is probably safe because they are smaller than pedestrians and going slowly. And also where pavements are deserted and there are no doorways or gates opening onto them. But city centres are different, often crowded, mothers with young children, older people who are slow and who have poor eye-sight and hearing.
And I understand that many cyclists might feel threatened by motorists on busy roads where there are cars parked kerbside and roads may have potholes or uneven surfaces. And some vehicle drivers are either careless or menacing as they pass too close. I’ve noticed that some drivers seem to think this is a game, as is driving through puddled roads and splashing pedestrians (which is also illegal!). And cycling on roads in the rain must be difficult when visibility is poor and cars are spraying surfacewater as they pass.
There are many cycle routes now throughout the Swansea area and these are increasing year on year, making cycling safer. And the Local Authority must be applauded for this but the problem locally seems to be Swansea inner city and main roads leading there. The only cycle lane I have noticed has been outside the Grand Theatre and this is two ways in a one-way street. Theatre goers leaving may not notice approaching cyclist and I feel this is a hazard.
Visiting Bristol I was amazed that there are cycle lanes throughout the city. And they are very busy plus e-scooters are licensed and these are heavily used. I was surprised that none were using the pavements and all obeyed traffic signals. The scooters all have a registration number and I undestand that users get a discount if they wear a helmet and can be fined if caught using pavements (there must be adequate CCTV to pick this up). As a pedestrian I felt quite safe on pavements, and everyone safer, cycles, pedestrians and motor vehicles are all separated. Could this be an answer in Swansea? Cycle lanes and e-scooters!
And finally should cycles be registered, have a warning bell that is used and carry insurance? I can’t remember the last time I heard a cycle bell. Bikes are silent so riders should use their bells sparingly where necessary.
With the volume of cycles, insurance would probably be reasonably priced, must be worth considering. I’ve seen cyclists with cameras on their helmets, presumably to catch motorists breaking the law, driving too close or in case of an accident. So they have a record of registration numbers. With cyclists they can just disappear in a flash, drive through red lights, on pavements, without lights or dangerously but we have no way of identifying them. A good solution might be to show the number on a hi-vis vest that the cyclist wore. This would both identify them and make them more visible. 
So what do you think? How can we improve safety for all raod and pavement users? Should the police or local authorities take more positive steps to stop racing cyclists on pavements? Cars that threaten cyclists? Introduce more safe cycle lanes? Introduce registration numbers? Introduce local e-scooters? Maybe a media campaign. Are the rcent changes in the Highway Code appropriate and well thought through? Lets make it safer for all.
Mike Leahy SwanTV