DURING 2025, the council carried out a comprehensive engagement exercise to understand how active travel facilities and routes, such as walking and cycling, could be improved across the county’s 11 designated active travel localities (as defined by Welsh Government Ministers). The aim was to support more people to choose active travel for short, everyday journeys.
Using feedback from residents, town and community councils, schools, and other stakeholders, the council has developed a draft updated Active Travel Network Map (ATNM) for each locality.
These draft maps show existing active travel routes, include aspirational routes identified through community feedback and highlight proposed improvements to the wider active travel network.
While it has not been possible to include every suggestion – due to practical considerations and the minimum requirements set out in the Active Travel Design Guide – the council sought to incorporate as many routes and recommendations as possible.
It is important to note that all routes identified at this stage are aspirational. However, they will form the foundation for future active travel funding applications and help shape long-term improvements across Powys.
The 11 draft ATNMs are now available to view on the Powys Active Travel Network Map.
They will be open for public consultation for 12 weeks, from now till Monday, August 31.
This is your opportunity to review the proposed routes and ensure the council have accurately reflected the feedback gathered during the engagement exercise.
Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said: “The Active Travel (Wales) Act aims to make walking and cycling the natural choice for shorter everyday journeys.
“These draft maps support our wider vision of a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys – helping people access services more easily, improving health and wellbeing, and reducing our environmental impact.
“Thanks to the valuable feedback we’ve received from residents, community groups, schools and other stakeholders, we have been able to develop proposals that reflect local aspirations for better active travel routes.
“We now encourage everyone to take part in the consultation to help ensure we have captured this feedback accurately and to highlight any issues before these plans are developed further. Your input is vital in shaping future investment in active travel across Powys.”
