Sophia Gardens to Western Avenue

Overnight, new cycle lanes appear

Cycling in Cardiff has been gaining momentum over the past few years. For a long time the cycle lanes were little more than painted lines on the edge of the road, often ending abruptly as though the council had run out of paint — or ideas. The pandemic changed things quickly. Almost overnight, new routes appeared, followed by a planned network of dedicated two-way lanes with their own traffic lights. It feels like a tenfold improvement, and the kind of commitment to cycling infrastructure that Amsterdam and Copenhagen made decades ago.

Bringing the best of European cycling standards

For now the lanes are relatively quiet, with only a handful of cyclists at any given time. How long before cycling really takes off in Cardiff and the lanes become crowded and vibrant? It took years in Amsterdam and Copenhagen, but the foundations are there. The case for cycling makes itself — it keeps you fit, costs almost nothing, and is about as environmentally friendly as transport gets.

The route out of Cardiff through Sophia Gardens

If you're thinking about cycling in Cardiff, or you're an experienced rider looking for a new route, the Taff Trail is the place to start. It runs from just outside the city centre all the way to Radyr, following the River Taff — perfect for commuting or a family ride. The reel above was filmed along this route in 2020.